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PN 4305 THE PR V ACTICAL TEACHERS' LIBRARY No. 9 

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Entertainment 




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FANCY DRILLS 8 

| xCROSTICS MOTION SON § 

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M EDITED BY *# 

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KELLOGG'S SERIES 

OF 

SPECIAL DAY BOOKS 

THIS exceedingly attractive and. popular series contains the following 
books. The material in all is new, carefully selected and is adapted" 
to all grades. A very valuable feature is the suggestions for the most effec- 
tive use of each exercise. Complete programs are also suggested, a great 
help to the teacher. 

How to Celebrate Washington's Birthday in the 

SCHOOL-ROOM. Containing Patriotic Exercises, Declamations, Recita- 
tions, Drills, Quotations, etc., for the Primary, Grammar, and High School. 
Price, 35c, postpaid. 

How to Celebrate Arbor Day in the School-Room. 

Giving the Origin of Arbor Day, Hints on the Planting of Trees, Special 
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postpaid. 

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas 

IN THE SCHOOL-ROOM. Consisting of Recitations, Songs, Drills, Ex- 
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ing, and Christmas. Price, 25c, postpaid. 

New Year and Midwinter Exercises. 

Consisting of Recitations, Quotations, Authors' Birthdays, and Special Pro- 
grams for Celebrating New Year and Midwinter Days in the School-Room. 
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Spring and Summer School Celebrations. 

Containing exercises and a large amount of material for May Day, Decooration 
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Fancy Drills and Marches, Motion Songs, and 

ACTION PIECES- For Arbor Day, Christmas, Memorial Da\ t Closing 
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Authors' Birthdays. No. i. 

Containing programs for the celebration of Birthdays ot Longfellow, Holmes, 
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Our Catalogue describes the best books for school entertainments 
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CHRISTMAS 
ENTERTAINMENT 



BY 



/ 



ALICE M. KELLOGG 



NEW SONGS TO OLD TUNES 
FANCY DRILLS 
ACROSTICS 

MOTION SONGS 
TABLEAUX 

SHORT PLAYS 

RECITATIONS IN COSTUME 




jP\ES RECH> 



NEW YORK AND CHICAGO 

E. L. KELLOGG & CO. 






Copyright, 1897, by 

E. L. KELLOGG & CO., 

NEW YORK 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

New Songs to Old Tunes : 

Time for Santa Claus M. Nora Boylan 7 

Santa Claus is Coming Maud L. Betts 7 

Old Santa Claus M. Nora Boylan 8 

Fancy Drills : 

A Christmas-bell Drill Ella M. Powers 9 

The Snow Brigade Marian Loder 10 

Christmas Stockings A. S. Webber 11 

Acrostics : 

Christmas Children M. Nora Boylan 13 

Santa Claus W. S. C 14 

Charity Jay Bee 15 

Merry Christmas M. D. Sterling. . . . , 15 

Motion Songs : 

A Christmas Lullaby 18 

Dance of the Snow flakes Alice E. Allen 19 

Little Snowflakes Ella M. Powers 22 

Christmas Stories Lettie Sterling 23 

Tableaux : 

Christmas Pictures 24 

Recitations in Costume : 

The Brownie Men M. Nora Boylan 27 

Winter's Children J. D. Moore 27 

Santa Claus Julia C R. Dorr 29 

Father Christmas' Message..}. A. Atkinson 31 

Short Plays : 

Mr. Si;. Nicholas Alice M. Kellogg 31 

Christmas Offerings by Chil- 
dren from Other Lands Ella M. Powers 37 

A Christmas Reunion M. D. Sterling 41 

Christmas Waits Katherine West 49 

A Christmas Party .Lizzie M. Hadley 51 

3 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Recitations for the Primary Grade : 

Santa's Helpers M. Nora Boylan 58 

Christmas Eve Eugene Field 59 

Santa Claus' Visit Susie M. Best 59 

To Santa Claus Jennie D. Moore 60 

What I Should Like Jennie D. Moore 61 

A Gentle Reminder Alice W. Rollins 61 

Christmas Time M. N. B 62 

Christmas Wishes C. Phillips 62 

Christmas Morn M. N. B 63 

My Christmas Secrets S. C. Peabody 63 

Kriss Kringle Susie M. Best 64 

A Message Ella M. Powers 65 

The Mousie M. N. B 65 

A Letter from Santa Claus . . .William Howard 66 

The Christmas We Like Ella M. Powers 67 

Saint Nick M. N. B 67 

Merry, Merry Christmas Carine L. Rose 68 

Christmas Questions Wolstan Dixey 69 

A Catastrophe Susie M. Best 69 

Recitations for the Grammar Grade : 

A Christmas Gift Mabel L. Pray 70 

A Christmas Thought Lucy Larcom 72 

The Merry Christmas Eve . . . Charles Kingsley 73 

The Christmas Stocking Charles H. Pearson 73 

Christmas Hymn Eugene Field 75 

Bells Across the Snow F. R. Havergal 76 

Christmas Eve. Frank E. Brown 77 

The Little Christmas Tree . . . .Susan Coolidge 78 

The Russian Santa Claus Lizzie M. Hadley 80 

A Christmas Garden 81 

A Christmas Carol J. R. Lowell 82 

The Power of Christmas 83 

Peace on Earth . .S. T. Coleridge. 84 

The Christmas Tree 85 

Old English Christmases 86 

Holly and Ivy Eugene Field 87 



NOTE. 



A LARGE proportion of the material in this collec- 
tion was contributed to The School Journal. It is 
distinguished from other selections by the author's 
name following directly after the title. 

Permission to use copyrighted poems has been 
kindly given by the publishers of The Outlook, New 
York City; The Ladies' Home Journal, Philadelphia; 
Good Housekeeping, Springfield, Mass. ; Mrs. Alice 
W. Rollins, Bronxville, N. Y. ; Houghton, Mifflin 
& Co. and Roberts Brothers of Boston ; and Charles 
Scribner's Sons, New York. 

5 



Christmas 

Entertainment 

Time for Santa Claus. 

By M. Nora Boylan. 

(To be sung to the tune of " Ta-ra-ra, boom-de-ay.") 

Now's the time for Santa Claus ; 
Christmas comes with loud huzzas. 
Hark ! the bells ! Oh, hear them ring ! 
Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling. 

Cho. — Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, 
Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, 
Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, 
Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling. 

See his prancing reindeer brave, 
Hear him tell them to behave — 
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, 
Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen. — Chorus. 

Yes, hurrah for Santa Claus ) 
Blow the trumpets, shout huzzas ! 
We'll be happy while we sing — 
Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling. — Chorus. 

Santa Claus is Coming. 

By Maud L. Betts. 
(To be sung to the tune of " Marching- thro' Georgia.") 

Santa Claus is coming — we shall welcome him with glee; 
He'll hang a gift for every one upon the Christmas-tree ; 



8 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

He'll not forget a single child. How happy we shall be; 
For Santa Claus is coming. 

Chorus — 
Hurrah ! hurrah ! for Christmas time is near ; 
Hurrah ! hurrah ! the time to all so dear ; 
We all shall hang our stockings up when Christmas eve is 
here, 

For Santa Claus is coming. 

But we must remember all that we must do our part ; 
Christmas is the time of times, to give with all our heart. 
We must always share our joys with those who have no 
part, 

When Santa Claus is coming. 



Old Santa Claus. 

By M. Nora Boylan. 

(To be sung to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." The verses may be 
given by a single voice, with the chorus by the school, or selected voices 
on the platform.) 

Old Santa Claus is a jolly man 

Who brings us lots of toys, sir ; 
And none are happier Christmas time 

Than little girls and boys, sir. 

Have you not seen our Santa Claus, 

With hair so snowy white, sir ? 
Just hang your stocking Christmas eve>— 

He'll come that very night, sir. 

And if you watch, perhaps you'll see 
This friend in furs hid deep, sir. 

But I have never seen him once — 
I'm always fast asleep, sir. 

Chorus — Santa Claus is jolly, sir ; 

Santa Claus is kind, sir ; 
Santa Claus on Christmas eve 
Comes riding on the wind, sir. 



A CHRISTMAS-BELL DRILL. 9 

A Christmas-bell Drill. 

By Ella M. Powers. 

(This drill may be given by eight little girls provided with wands. At 
the top of each wand are tacked three streamers of red, white, and blue 
ribbon or cambric. At the end of each streamer a little tinkling bell is 
sewed. The children sing, and wave wands in time to the music. The 
words may be sung to the tune of " Lightly Row.") 

Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, 
Happy bells of Christmas time ; 
Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, 
Christ the Lord is born. 

Christ is born, our Saviour dear, 
Joyous words we love to hear ; 
Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, 
Christ the Lord is born. 

(Between first and second verses, all march singing same tune to " Tra 
la la.'' — " Tra la la," wands waving, up, down, right, left, up, down, right ; 
left, throughout. Resume places and sing second verse.) 

Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, 
Happy bells of Christmas time ; 
Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, 
Glory be to God. 

Let us carol sweetly then, 
Peace on earth, good will to men ; 
Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, 
Christ the Lord is born. 

(All march out, singing, and waving wands.) 



io CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



The Snow Brigade. 

By Marian Loder. 

(A winter drill for a dozen boys — in overcoats, earcaps, bright-colored 
mufflers, mittens, etc. Each carries a big snow-shovel. The stage 
should be spread with sheets and loose cotton to represent snow. Boys 
come marching in single file, shovels over shoulder, singing to the tune, 
"See the Farmer in the Field.") 

I. 

We are the jolly Snow Brigade, 
With our trusty shovels we make a raid, 
And lustily we'll give you aid 
On a frosty winter's morning. 

Chorus. — He ! he ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 
He ! he ! ha! ha! ha! 
He ! he ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 
Ho ! ho ! ho ! 



II. 

(Beginning to shovel cotton. ) 

We'll shovel your walk for fifteen cents, 
We'll pile the snow against the fence, 
We'll show you we are boys of sense 
On a frosty winter's morning. — Cho. 

III. 

(Rubbing noses.) 

Jiminy crack ! our noses are cold ! 

Oh ! Jack Frost is bad and bold ! 
( Working harder than ever.) 

But little care we for the winter cold, 

On a clear and frosty morning. — Cho, 

IV. 

(Pointing to work.) 

Look at that ; now what do you say? 



CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS. II 

{Holding out hands to audience?) 

Now, if you please, we'll take our pay. 
Our work is done, it's time for play, 
On a frosty winter's morning. — Cho. 

{Begin snowballing with the cotton, throiving balls into 
audience and at each other?) 



Christmas Stockings. 

By A. S. Webber. 

(Six small girls and boys are needed for speaking, and any even number 
of larger girls for singing. A boy leads each division of the march, imme- 
diately followed by those who speak. 

An equal number enter from opposite sides as far back as possible, pass 
in front to sides, back half-way, form two lines across front, having the six 
who speak in front (alternating boy and girl), and the larger pupils back of 
them sing as they enter and until they are placed the chorus of " Birdies' 
Ball," beginning " Tra la la la la." When in position all sing the follow- 
ing two verses, air, " Birdies' Ball." When chorus is reached, let them keep 
time by resting weight on right foot on first count, and at same time swing- 
ing left foot over right, touch toe to floor, dipping body slightly on third 
count, foot back in place on first count of next measure. Rest weight on 
left foot and swing right foot over left, touching right toe on third count, 
foot back in place on first count of next measure, etc.) 

Santa Claus on Christmas eve, 

Means to give a gift to all, 
Each a stocking we will hang, 

Stockings big and stockings small. 

Chorus. — Tra la la la, etc. 

Santa Claus on Christmas eve 
Comes with reindeer swift as air, 

Early all must be in bed, 

Leaving only stockings there. 

Chorus. — Tra la la la, etc. 

(A girl comes one step forward, bows, and speaks,) 

I mean to hang on Christmas eve 
A stocking of this size (measures), 

Because I want a doll so big, 
That sleeps and shuts its eyes. 



12 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

To crowd it in a stocking small 
Would surely not be wise. 
(Pupil steps back in place and al* sing the chorus, keeping time as before.) 

2d Pupil. — My stocking is the one I'll hang, 
I know 'twill hold quite well, 
About a hundred marbles more 

Than's owned by Tommy Bell. 
Of course I want some candy, too, 
But the marbles are what tell. 
(Steps back, and chorus is repeated as before.) 

3</ Pupil. — I mean to beg a stocking small 
Of little sister Clare, 
Because I want some things so small 
They'll scarce be found e'en there. 
I want a ring that has a stone, 
And a pretty pin to wear. 
(Chorus repeated as before.; 

^th Pupil. — I've measured all the stockings round, 
And think I'll hang up two, 
Because I want a pair of skates, — 

One stocking will not do. 
Of course I want some sweets and things 
To last the whole week through. 
Chorus, etc. 

$th Pupil. — My mamma's stocking I w. : ll hang, 
'Twill so much better hold 
A tea-set for my dolly dear, 

All painted round with gold ; 
And dishes can't be squeezed, you know, 
That's what I've oft been told. 
Chorus, etc. 

6th Pupil. — And I don't know just what to do, 
Because I want, you see, 
A hobby-horse that is so high, — 

Now tell me, can it be, 
Are stockings ever made so big 
That one can hold all of me ? 
Chorus, etc. 



CHRISTMAS CHILDREN. 



13 



All sing. — All we children love to hang 
Stockings o'er the fireplace, 

Wondering how our gifts can come 
Nice and clean from such a place. 

Chorus. — Tra la la la, etc. 

Santa Claus is loved by all 

Folks who are as big as we, 
And for long before he comes 
We can only sing for glee. 

Chorus. — Tra la la la, etc 

(When the chorus is partly sung, the leaders of the march lead to oppo- 
site sides, others fall in line forward, pass in front to rear along sides, pass 
at rear end to seats. Continue to repeat the chorus till all are seated.) 

-»> 

Christmas Children. 

By M. Nora Boyla.v. 

(An acrostic for the primary grade. Each child wears a large gilt star 
around his neck. As he begins to speak, he turns it over, showing his let- 
ter on the reverse side.) 

All : Happy children here we stand. 
Bringing words of love ; 
For on this glad Christmas day 

Christ came from above. 



First child: C is for the Christ Who came 
To this lowly earth. 
Second child: H is for the harps that rang 

At our Saviour's birth. 
Third child : R is for the ringing bells, 
Telling Christmas-tide. 
Fourth child : I is for the crystal ice 
Where we go to slide. 
Fifth child : S is for the schoolboy's sled 

When he coasting goes. 
Sixth child : T is for poor Tommy Jones- 
Jack Frost bit his nose. 



14 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Seventh child : M is for the merry part 

Of this Christmas day, 
Eighth child : A is for the apple pies 
Grandma put away. 
Ninth child : S is for old Santa Clans, 
Coming here to-night. 
Hope he'll wait till nearly morn, 
So it will be light. 

All : Yes, we're happy children nine, 
And to each we're .true, 
Three cheers for jolly Santa Claus, 
A happy day to you. 

-»> 

Santa Claus. 
By w. s. c. 

(A letter exercise for ten very small children. Let each child present a 
placard bearing the letter as he recites his line. At the close, all shut their 
eyes and screw them up very tight.) 

S stands for stockings we hang up so high. 

A is for all we get if we don't cry. 

N is for nobody he will pass by. 

T is for to-morrow, the day we eat pie. 

A stands for at last old Santa is nigh. 

C for the children who love him so well. 

L for the little girl, his name she can spell. 

A stands for apples so rosy and red. 

U is for us as we wait for his sled. 

S stands for Santa Claus, who comes in the night 

when we are tucked up in bed with our eyes 

closed so tight. 



CHARITY— MERRY CHRISTMAS. *5 

Charity. 

By Jay Bee. 

(Seven little girls daintily dressed carry a bell in the right hand, with 
the initial on it which begins her line. The bells are rung lightly dur- 
ing the speaking ) 

First child : Cheerily ring the Christmas bells ! 
Second child : How joyfully their jingling tells 
Third child : All peace and kindness on the earth, 
Fourth child : Ringing out, singing out, laughing with 
mirth ! 
Fifth child : In every home is joy profound, 
Sixth child : The echo of this merry sound. 
Seventh child : Yet Charity must remembered be, 
And that is why we have this tree. 



Merry Christmas. 

By M. D. Sterling. 

(Seven boys and seven girls with good voices and some sprightliness of 
manner are required. Each carries a wand, to the upper end of which is 
fastened an evergreen wreath surrounding a large, gilt letter. Ranged in 
order the letters will spell the word "Merry Christmas." The verse for 
each is sung to the air, " Buy a Broom." The children enter only one 
at a time, using a polka step, boys and girls alternately. While singing 
they take steps and wave wand in time to music. At third line of each 
stanza the boys bow and the girls make a courtesy, right and left. The 
chorus at the end of each verse is sung by the entire school. The boy 
with letter M comes in first, sings, and takes position on platforn. He is 
followed by the girl with E. So continue until the line of children is 
complete.) 

First boy : 

M stands for merry — oh ' let us be merry ; 

M stands for merry — right merry am I. 
(Bowing.) With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the 
left, sir, 

Come, now, and be merry, all sadness defy. 

Chorus (by school, to the refrain of " Buy a Broom"). — 

Christmas dear now draws near, 

With song and with evergreen welcome it here^ 



16 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

First girl : 

E stands for evergreen, beautiful evergreen, 

E stands for evergreen, never to fade. 
(Courtesying.) With a courtesy to right, sir, and a court- 
esy to left, sir, 

Bring evergreen garlands for Christmas time made. 

— Cho. 
Second boy : 
R stands for rollicking — come, then, be rollicking ; 

R stands for rollicking — fun's in the air ! 
With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, 

In Christmas-day rollicking take now a share. — Cho. 

Second girl : 

R stands for rally, a grand Christmas rally, 

R stands for rally, where Christmas trees grow ! 
With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, 

We rally where Santa is likely to go. — Cho. 

Third boy : 

Y stands for youthful — rejoice, now, all youthful ; 

Y stands for youthful — quite youthful am I. 
With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, 

The youthful make merry when Christmas is nigh. 

—Cho. 

(Leave a space in the lineot children between the last letter of " Merry ' 
ana the first of " Christmas.") 

Third girl : 

C stands for Christmas — bright Christmas, merry Christ- 
mas ; 
C stands for Christmas — the best of the year. 
With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, 
Make merry at Christmas with good Christmas cheer. 

— Cho. 

Fourth boy : 

H stands for happy — at Christmas be happy ! 

H stands for happy — right happy am I. 
With a bow to the right sir, and a bow to the left, sir, 

If you would be happy some Christmas gifts buy 

— Cho. 



MERRY CHRISTMAS. 17 

Fourth girl : 

R stands for ready — for Christmas be ready ; 

R stands for ready — are you ready yet? 
With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir. 

To make ready for Christmas, oh ! uever forget. — Cho. 

Fifth boy : 

I stands for icy — for winter so icy ; 

I stands for icy, when Kris drives along. 
With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, 

Though icy the weather we'll give him a song. — Cho. 

Fifth girl : 

S stands for Santa — the children's own Santa ; 

S stands for Santa, the jolly old dear. 
With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, 

For Santy to fill we hang stockings each year. — Cho, 

Sixth boy : 

T stands for thoughtful — of all friends be thoughtful ; 

T stands for thoughtful — your presents prepare. 
With a bow to the right, sir. and a bow to the left, sir, 

And be thoughtful those poorer than you have a 
share. — Cho. 

Sixth girl : 

M stands for magic — for Christmas-night magic ; 

M stands for magic filling stockings and tree. 
With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, 

Who does this fine magic, can any agree ? — Cho. 

Seventh boy : 

A stands for all of us, old and young, all of us ; 

A stands for all of us looking for Kris. 
With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir. 

And all of us hope that not one will he miss. 

— Cho. 

Seventh girl : 

S stands for -smiling — on Christmas morn smiling ; 

S stands for smiling — all smiling I'll be. 
With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, 

All smiling, yes, smiling, when presents I see. — Cho. 



i8 



CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



(The following verses are to be sung by the school to the air, "Wait 
for the Wagon." During the singing of the first stanza and chorus, the 
fourteen boys and girls divide off into couples and march around, elevat- 
ing and lowering the wands in time to music. During the second stanza 
they form two opposite lines, with wands crosseo overhead, couples march- 
ing under the arches formed and back again to places. Third stanza, the 
opposite lines pass forward and back, cross to other side, partners passing 
each other, then back once more, and turn partners into place in a line 
forming " Merry Christmas" again.) 

Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas ! 

Thy call we must obey, 
And carry fadeless garlands 

In honor of the day. 

Chorus {to be sung after each verse). — 

All hail, merry Christmas ! 

Hail, merry Christmas ! 
All hail, merry Christmas, 

The evergreen day. 

Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas ! 

With laughter, song, and play, 
How gayly pass the hours 

Of that dear, happy day. — Chorus. 

Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas ! 

Quite old, but never gray, 
Like thy own joys, unfading, 

The wreath we bring to-day. — Chorus. 



A Christmas Lullaby. 



(The children are seated in little rocking-chairs, each holding a doll 
dressed in a long white gown. They rock slowly in time to the music. 
At first i "hushaby" they raise forefinger of right hand, as if to insure 
silence. 

2. Kiss dolls. 

3. Very softly. 

4. Lay dolls in small cradles, standing near. 

5. At " hush " raise forefinger of right hand warningly. 

6. Very softly. 

7. Rock cradles slowly in time to music, children kneeling on floor. 

8. Turn toward audience. 

9. Very softly. 

The words are adapted to the music of the familiar hymn, "Silent 
Night.") 



DANCE OF THE SNOWFLAKES. 19 

Hushaby, hushaby, (1) 
Christmas stars are in the sky ; 
Sweet the bells of Christmas eve, — 
Babies, each a kiss receive, — (2) 

Hushaby, good-night, 

Hushaby, good-night ! (3) 

Lullaby, lullaby, 
Babies in their cradles lie ; (4) 
Every one in white is gowned, 
Hush, make not a single sound ! (5) 

Lullaby, good-night, 

Lullaby, good-night ! (6) 

Rockaby, rockaby, 

Christmas-tide draweth nigh ; (7) 

Quiet now the tiny feet, 

Babies sleep so still and sweet, — 
Sweetest dreams, good-night, (8) 
Sweetest dreams, good-night ! (9) 



Dance of the Snowflakes. 

By Alice E. Allen. 

(The words of this motion song are adapted to the chorus of "Dream 
Faces." The children should be dressed in white gowns, white stockings 
and slippers, and wear caps made of white tissue paper, trimmed with 
silver stars. 

1. Raise both hands, look up. 

2. Move hand slowly back and forth, with floating motion. 

3. Lower hands, and motion as if swaying cradle. 

4. Drop head slowly to one side, close eyes as if sleeping. 

5. While pianist plays last half of song slowly, children take hold of 
corners of skirts, and with waltz step dance from side to side, still with 
sleepy look and motion. 

6. Stand erect, with eyes wide open. 

7. Use forefinger of right hand as if enforcing command. 

8. Raise both hands above head, and lower them slowly, with fluttering 
motion. 

9. Drop heads, sing very slowly. 

10. Shake heads sadly. 

11. Look down as if searching for flowers. 

12. While pianist plays as in 5 children repeat 5 very slowly, still look 
ingdown. 



20 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

13 Music much faster and brighter. Children look up over right shoul 
der, as if afraid of being caught. 

14 Whir round and round. 

15 Bend to right, and then to left. 

16. Fall lightly to floor. 

17. Spring up with hands upraised. 

18. Drop hands, smile. 

19 All clasp hands, raise them high above heads, and dance lightly- 
backward and forward 

20. Hold position 19; dance as in 5, only more rapidly. 

21. Dejected position, heads bent down. Music very slow and sad. 

22. Raise and lower right hand slowly. 

23. Repeat with left. 

24. Music strong and faster. Children raise on tip-toe of right foot, 
reach forward with motion as looking in window above them on their 
right. 

25 Motion with forefinger of right hand as if counting stockings. 

26 With skirts distended dance as in 20, smiling. 

27. Right hand raised to ear, as if listening. 

28. Shade eyes with right hand and look expectant. 

29. Step forward, both hands extended as if in greeting, smiling. 

30. Throw kiss to audience. 

31 Pianist repeats all of song ; children dance as in 26, singing verse 
beginning " Bright stars are gleaming," and at last " Merry Christmas " 
throw kiss to audience.) 

We lived in cloudland, (1) 
Floating here and there (2) 

Over the mountains 

And the valleys fair. 

Winds swayed our cradles, (3) 

Then we fell asleep, (4) 

While far above us 

Stars their watch did keep. (5) 

" Wake," cried the North Wind, (6) 
"You to earth must go." (7) 
Down we fell fluttering (8) 
Butterflies of snow. 
Silently and slowly (9) 
Through the winter hours, 
Falling so sadly, (10) 
Hiding grass and flowers. (11-12) 

Then the wind caught us, (13) 
Whirled us round and round, (14) 
Dashed us and drove us, (15) 
Piled us on the ground (16) 



DANCE OF THE SNOWFLAKES. 21 

Flying up in frolic, (17) 
Always glad and gay, (18) 
Dancing and drifting (19) 
All the stormy day. (20) 

Now our play is over, (21) 
Now the day is done, 
Falling so sadly, (22) 
Sadly one by one. (23) 
Peeping in the windows (24) 
Where the fires glow, 
See the children's stockings (25) 
Hanging in a row. (26) 

Hark, in the distance (27) 
Hear the merry bells ! 
Santa Claus is coming, (28) 
Sweet their music tells ! 
Go we now to greet him, (29) 
Listen as we call, — 
Glad merry Christmas, 
Merry Christmas all ! (30) 

Bright stars are gleaming, (31) 
Christmas cometh soon. 
Joy bells are ringing, 
All in merry tune. 
We are Christmas snowflakes, 
Singing as we fall, — 
Glad, merry Christmas, 
Merry Christmas all ! 



22 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



Little Snowflakes. 

By Ella M. Powers. 

(Six primary children may sing these words to the tune, " Tiny Little 
Snowflakes'' in " Golden Robin," with the following finger-play. 

a. Hands waving up and down, fingers moving rapidly 

b. Imitate the waving with hands and heads to right and left. 

c. Quickly shake head and hands. 

d. One sweep of hand across the desk. 

e. Right hand raised as high as head, fist closed. 

f. Abruptly bring fist down on desk. 

g. Similar to (a). 

h. Hands claspeo and eyes upturned as if gazing with admiration at the 
tree.) 

We are little snowflakes, (a) 

Falling gently down, 
On the fields and mountains 

In the busy town. 

Now the waving (b) spruce trees 

Shaking (c) gently say, 
Brush away this light snow, (d) 

It's nearly Christmas day. 

Then a man comes gayly 

With his axe so bright, (e) 
He chops down the spruce tree (/) 

Early one fair night. 

Then on Christmas morning 

Children dance to see, (g) 
Many lovely presents 

On that stately tree, (h) 



CHRISTMAS STORIES. 23 

Christmas Stories. 

By Lettie Sterling. 

(These stories may be said and done in concert, or each little child may 
give one verse by himself. 

a Hands held straight up so tips of fingers point toward ceiling. 

b. Touch palm of hand with thumb, bring it back quickly. 

c, d, e,f. Repeat b with 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th fingers. 
g. Double the hand up. 

//. Place the doubled-up hand on the back of the other. 

i. Lift thumb and hold it up. 

/ Lift 1st finger. 

k. Lift 2d finger. 

/. Lift 3d finger. 

m. Lift 4th finger. 

n. Hold hands in a listless way, with tips of fingers pointing toward 
floor for two first lines, and let the fingers gently swing. Near the close ol 
the verse make the fingers still and rigid and hold them close together. 

o. Have hands doubled up and held so that the child's eyes can lool* 
down upon the palm of the hand and see the nails of the four fingers- 
thumb out of sight. 

p. Let fingers fly up quickly 

q- Hold left hand as in a. Use the index finger of the right hand as e 
match, scratching it on the palm of the left hand and lighting the tips ol 
each finger as if the fingers were candles. 

r. Make a circle of a thumb and index finger of the right hand and slip 
it on and off each finger on the left hand. 

s. Bunch fingers of left hand together so they can all touch the tips o! 
the thumb and form an opening for the window. 

t. Bring the fingers of the right hand near and let them be boys anc 
girls peeping in. 

u. Double up hands, but instead of having thumb inside, let it stanc 
straight up to be a tower. 

v. Snap the fingers of one hand, then of the other. 

zv. Point far away with index finger. 

x. Point toward an imaginary star. 

y. Hold up the three middle fingers.) 

Chimneys standing in a row, (a) 

Down each one will Santa go. 

He goes down one, comes back alive, (b) 

And then tries two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) and five. (/] 

Santa has a wondrous pack, (g) 

This he carries on his back ; (h) 

From it he takes candies, (z) drums, (J) 

Dolls, {k) books, (/) trumpets, (m) when he comes. 

Near the -chimney stockings swing, 

What to them will Santa bring ? 

All of them I'm sure he'll fill, 

Make them round and stiff and still, («) 



24 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Morning kisses curly heads 
Lying snugly in their beds, (o) 
O how quickly they hop out, (p) 
Seizing stockings with a shout ! 

On the hemlock and the pine, 
Light the candles, make them shine ; (q) 
String the rows of corn so white (r) 
'Mong the gifts and tinsels bright. 

Storemen's windows all look gay, 
'Cause it's near to Christmas day. (s) 
Come and look in, girls and boys, (/) 
Get a peep at Christmas joys. 

In high towers out of sight 
Great bells ring with all their might ; (u) 
Hear one, then another chime, (v) 
Telling it is Christmas time. 

In the distance, look afar, (w) 
With their eyes upon the star, (x) 
Come on camels wise men three, (y) 
They the Christmas King shall see. 



Christmas Pictures. 

(This set of pictures is suggested by Mrs. Kate Douglas Wiggin's story 
of " The Birds' Christmas Carol," published by Houghton, Mifflin & Com- 
pany, Boston, Mass. Each picture should be preceded by descriptions 
from the book ; these are indicated by the number of the page in the vol- 
ume. 

Directions. — A good reader must be chosen, who can bring out the 
light and shade in the story — one who can make the listeners feel the 
pathos of Carol's brief, helpful existence and the contrasting homely 
humor of " the Ruggleses in the rear." A reading-desk and lamp must 
stand below the platform, and the audience-room be left in darkness. The 
reader will give the signal for the opening and closing of the curtains, 
pausing long enough for a full recognition of the scene. As a repetition of 
a tableau is often more successful than its initial effort, the performers 
should be on the alert, prepared to give a second view. 

The characters in the story call for six young people to represent Mr. 
Bird, Mrs. Bird, the Grandmother, Physician, Mrs. Ruggles, and Uncle 
Jack, and fourteen children to take the parts of Donald, Hugh, Paul, 
Carol, Sarah Maud, Peoria, Cornelius, Eily, Kitty, Peter, Clem, Larry, 
Susan, and the boy singer. 



CHRISTMAS PICTURES. 25 

The first hymn, " Carol, Brothers, Carol," is to be sung behind the cur- 
tains, just before they are drawn for the second picture. A harp, violin, 
and triangle would assist the piano in making an orchestral effect. A solo 
voice supplies the closing air, " My Ain Countree." The piano may be 
played very softly whenever the reader pauses and the tableaux are shown. 

It is important that the arrangements for each scene be made in absolute 
quietness, with systematic forethought, else the attention of the listeners 
will be distracted from the reading. 

If a Christmas tree for the entire school is to close the entertainment, 
it should be in readiness at the rear of the platform, concealed by a cur- 
tain. In the sixth picture the tree appeares, to illustrate the story, and 
remains lighted through the evening.) 

FIRST PICTURE. 

" They were consulting about it in the nursery." 
(Page I in "The Birds' Christmas Carol.") 

In this scene the children's belongings are scat- 
tered about : small chairs, a cradle, toys, and pic- 
ture-books. Mr. Bird stands in the center of the 
platform holding a large doll dressed in infant's 
robes. Grandma is seated near, and Uncle Jack, 
Donald, Paul, and Hugh are discussing a name for 
the baby. The Christmas hymn is heard after the 
curtains are drawn and before the 

SECOND PICTURE. 
" A famous physician had visited them." (Page 

12.) 

Mr. and Mrs. Bird and the doctor are seated 
around a library-table in earnest conference. 

THIRD PICTURE. 

Carol's " Circulating Library." (Page 16.) 
Carol is lying in an easy-chair beside a case filled 
with books. The description of her room should 
be carried out on the stage as far as practicable. 

FOURTH PICTURE. 

" The children took their places." (Page 36.) 
The nine Ruggles children are seated in a row 



26 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

facing the audience. Mrs. Ruggles stands before 
them, giving instructions about their behavior at 
Carol's dinner party. The costumes must be fan- 
tastic, following the description in the story — green 
glass breastpin, the purple necktie, and much- 
braided hair. 

FIFTH PICTURE. 

" The feast being over," etc. (Page 35.) 
Carol's room is shown again. The Ruggles chil- 
dren are seated around Carol, with Mr. Bird and 
Mrs. Bird and Uncle Jack in the background. 

SIXTH PICTURE. 

1 ' There stood the brilliantly lighted tree." (Page 

55-) 

The same characters that appeared in the preced- 
ing scene are shown in attitudes of delight and 
astonishment as the second curtain is drawn aside 
to show the Christmas tree. 

SEVENTH PICTURE. 

" Softly, Uncle Jack." (Page 63.) 

The library is shown again. Mr. and Mrs. Bird, 
Uncle Jack, Donald, Hugh, and Paul are grouped 
as if listening attentively. At the right of the plat- 
form a leaded-window effect is made with a slender 
wood frame covered with black gauze. Behind this 
stands a small boy in choir vestments, holding a 
music book and singing " My Ain Countree " to 
organ accompaniment. 



THE BROWNIE MEN— WINTER'S CHILDREN. 27 



The Brownie Men. 

By M. Nora Boylan. 

(An exercise tor four little boys. They wear padded trousers of some 
cheap brown material and a loose shirt of same material in place of the 
school jacket. Skull-caps of same material, worn jauntity. Broad white 
rings about the eyes and charcoal lines upon face to produce resemblance 
to pictured Brownies. Jolly smiles and capers. Join hands and hop on 
one foot around tree or 'eader, before, between, and after verses.) 

Merry, merry sprites are we, 
Dancing round the Christmas tree. 
We've a gift for every one 
Though the last one is just done. 

This has been a busy year, 
And we hope we bring you cheer, 
And when Christmas comes again, 
Look for us — The Brownie men. 



Winter's Children. 

By j. D. Moore. 

(The children should wear some indication of the several characters 
they impersonate. Most elaborate and beautiful costumes might be used, 
but the simple device of a placard upon each child's breast bearing the 
name of his part will answer the purpose.) 

Wind : I come from the cold and stormy North, 
With a rush and a roar I hurry forth, 
I toss from the trees the dead leaves down, 
The withered leaves all sere and brown, 
And sway the branches to and fro 
As on my way I whirling go. 
At crack and crevice I slip in, 
And make a lively sounding din. 
Swift I come and swift away, 
With you I can no longer stay, 
For I am wanted elsewhere now, 
And so good-bye, I make my bow, 



28 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Frost [taking Wind's hand) : 

Hand in hand we ever go 

Through the season to and fro. 

I breathe upon the streams. They cease 

Their murmurings and are at peace. 

Upon each window pane I trace 

The finest filmy glistening lace. 

Each boy and girl, 'tis plain to see, 

Hath still a welcome kind for me. 

For on the lake they whirl and wheel, 

You hear the click of polished steel 

As swift upon their skates they fly 

With joyous heart and flashing eye. 

My breath blows cold. Health, joy, delight, 

Follow my silvery sparkles bright. 

Now Snow, who is my guardian sweet, 

Will all my young friends fondly greet. 

Snow {a little girl) : 

Over the earth so bare and brown 

I spread a robe as soft as down. 

Drifting, drifting down through space, 

Hiding each unsightly place, 

Touched to shimmering radiance bright, 

In the moonbeam's mellow light, 

By my brother Frost, for we (they join hands) 

Both go hand in hand, you see. 

North Wind goes gaily with us both, 

To help us he is nothing loath. 

And he and Frost and Rain combine 

To give what in the clear sunshine 

Shimmers sparkling — pure and nice, 

Transparent, white, and glistening Ice. 

Ice : I cling to lofty gables, I rustle 'mid the snow, 
I weave a gleaming covering 
For lakes and streams. They know 
That all must cease their murmuring 
When Frost and I appear, 
For we will hold them firm and fast 
^s long as we are here., 



SANTA CLAUS. 29 

Gleaming, glistening, sparkling, 
Yet pure and clear and bright. 
You'll find me 'neath a silver moon, 
Each crisp, fresh winter night. 
(Enter Old Winter) 

Winter : What, ho ! my children, here I am, 
I've sought you everywhere. 
And now to busy work away, 
For you must all prepare 
To do your duty while I hold 
In check your enemy, 

The great round sun, whose rays with you, 
My children, disagree. 
Now up, away ! Wind, to the west 
And come again in glee ; 
And join with Frost and Snow and Ice, 
In one grand jubilee. 
And paint the cheeks with roses 
Of all these children who, 
Right joyously will run and shout, 
My children dear, with you. 
Away ! to work, you must not shirk 
Your duties, dears ; and now, 
To these, your firmest friends, make each 
Your most engaging bow. 
(All bow and retire Old Winter following.) 



Santa Claus. 



(Let the first line be given by a small boy as a herald, carrying a 
trumpet, and dressed in tunic, tights, and velvet cap. The second line is 
taken up by Santa Claus, in costume of fur, with white beard and hair.) 

A voice from out of the northern sky : 
" On the wings of the limitless winds I fly, 
Swifter than thought, over mountain and vale, 
City and moorland, desert and dale ! 



$o CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

From the north to the south, from the east to the west, 
I hasten regardless of slumber or rest ; 
O, nothing you dream of can fly as fast 
As I on the wings of the windy blast ! 

" The wondering stars look out to see 
Who he that flieth so fast may be, 
And their bright eyes follow my earthward track 
By the gleam of the jewels I bear in my pack. 
For I have treasures for high and for low : 
Rubies that burn like the sunset glow ; 
Diamond rays for the crowned queen ; 
For the princess, pearls with their silver sheen. 

" I enter the castle with noiseless feet — 
The air is silent and soft and sweet ; 
And I lavish my beautiful tokens there — 
Fairings to make the fair more fair ! 
I enter the cottage of want and woe — 
The candle is dim and the fire burns low ; 
But the sleepers smile in a happy dream 
As I scatter my gifts by the moon's pale beam. 

11 There's never a home so low, no doubt, 
But I in my flight can find it out ; 
Not a hut so hidden but I can see 
The shadow cast by the lone roof-tree ! 
There's never a home so proud and high 
That I am constrained to pass it by, 
Nor a heart so happy it may not be 
Happier still when blessed by me ! 

" What is my name ? Ah, who can tell, 
Though in every land 'tis a magic spell ? 
Men call me that, and they call me this ; 
Yet the different names are the same, I wis ! 
Gift-bearer to all the world am I, 
Joy-giver, light-bringer, where'er I fly ; 
But the name I bear in the courts above, 
My truest and holiest name, is — Love ! " 

Julia C. R. Dorr. 



FATHER CHRISTMAS'S MESSAGE. 31 



Father Christmas's Message. 

(This speech may be given at the close of a Christmas entertainment. 
A white wig and beard, fur coat and gloves are worn, and sleigh-bells are 
sounded before Father Christmas appears on the platform.) 

Here I am again. The close of the year 
Brings Old Father Christmas with his good cheer. 
I'm cheery myself, and cheery I make 
All folks who follow advice for my sake. 
My advice is the same to all my friends : 
Give and forgive, and quickly make amends 
For what you do wrong. Let love be the rule. 
Christians, be true at the season of Yule. 
Old Father Christmas every one welcomes ; 
I bring peace and happiness to all homes. 
Away with the bad. Have nothing but good. 
Do what I tell you. If only you would, 
You'd all live at one in true brotherhood. 
I always brighten up all hearts. The spell 
Of Christmas can all gloomy thoughts dispel. 
My friends, right pleased am I to see you here. 
How are you all ? Pray come again next year. 
I hope you've liked the fun we've had to-night ; 
If so, then now applaud with all your might. 

J. A. Atkinson. 

Mr. St. Nicholas. 

By Alice M. Kellogg. 

(The characters are Old-fashioned Santa Claus, dressed in the tradi- 
tional costume of fur, white beard, and a Christmas pack ; Mr. St. Nicho- 
las, in evening dress with silk hat ; Dora, Katie, Maggie, and little Bess ; 
Harry, Charlie, Tom, and John in ordinary school clothes. 

The scene opens with a large fireplace arranged at the center of the plat- 
form, a dark curtain drawn before the opening to conceal Santa Claus. 
The accompaniment to "Nancy Lee" is heard, and the eight children 
march in, carrying their stockings.) 

Oh, Christmas time has come again, 

Tra la la la, tra la la la; 
We welcome it with glad refrain, 

Tra la la la la la. 



32 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Of all the happy holidays this year 
There's none so joyous, none so dear, 
Then sing we all our song of festive glee, 
Of Santa Claus and Christmas tree. 

Chorus. — Oh, ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, 
Their music all our pleasure tells. 
{Repeat, singing tra la la whenever necessary to 
give the rhythm. They pause in groups in center ', 
right, and left ; some sit, others stand, and change 
their positions during the dialogue) 

Harry: Oh dear, the same old thing again this 
year, I suppose ! " Hang up the baby's stocking, 
be sure you don't forget." 

Charlie : This baby's stocking is the biggest bi- 
cycle hose I could buy. (Pins it at one side of the 
chimney.) I don't think old Santa could miss it if 
he tried. 

Dora : I made mine to suit the occasion, for I 
hope Santa Claus will fit a zither into it. {Displays 
a large, fantastically shaped stocking of striking 
color, and fastens it beside Charlie 's.) 

Harry : You ought to take a prize, Dora, for 
designing the most — ahem ! — unexpected-looking 
stocking. Generous sized, too ! Here goes my 
contribution to the chimney. [Hangs up a sock.) 
It's big enough to hold a coin of gold that will buy 
me a new bicycle. I don't care for any knick- 
knacks. 

Katie: I must confess that I'm rather tired of 
this old custom of hanging up our stockings on 
Christmas eve and crawling out of bed in the cold 
dawn to see what is in them. I wish some one 
would invent a new way. 

Maggie : Just what I thought, Katie, last winter, 
though I never spoke of it. But if you've hung 



MR. ST. NICHOLAS. 33 

your stocking up, I must have mine there too. 
(Goes to chimney.) 

John : Well, I refuse to fall in line this year. 
I'm tired of the whole plan. It seems absurd for 
an old chap to come tumbling down the fireplace 
and load up our stockings. 

Tom : I agree with you, John! What we want 
is a new-fashioned Christmas. A real, up-to-date 
Santa Claus, and no more of this children's non- 
sense. 

Bess : Not have Santa Claus any more ? Isn't 
he coming to-night ? {Cries.) 

John : Oh yes, he'll remember you if you're a 
good little girl and stop crying. Dora, help Bess 
to fasten up her stocking. 

{After the stocki?ig is fixed, Bess faces the audience 
and recites.) 

Bess : I do hope dear old Santa 

Will come this way to-night, 
And come here to my stocking, 
To fill it nice and tight. 

I'd like to watch and see him, 

But I know I must wait 
Till shines the Christmas sunshine — ■ 

I hope he won't be late. 

Tom : Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa 
Claus, but the rest of us vote for something differ- 
ent. 

Harry : I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old 
duffer, who made lots of sport for the infants, but 
I'm ready for a change myself. 

Dora : Don't count me in to help out your ma- 
jority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit 
of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us 
greater pleasure. 



34 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Katie : Well, I'll side with the boys this time, 
and see if there is any improvement in holiday 
matters. 

Charlie : You'll think me a baby to stick to the 
old style. I won't venture an opinion at all. 

Tom : Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus 
we have no need. 

John : ] 

a e . , »jj s w j, iat; we a jj concede. 
Harry : 
Maggie: J 
{All sing to the tune of ' ' Maryland, My Maryland. ' ') 

Old Santa Claus is such a bore, 

Of him we've had too much and more ; 

Now what we want is something new, 

But what is there for us to do ? 

A new St. Nick would be the thing, 

Who would our Christmas presents bring. 

{Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. 
Nicholas comes on the stage. He bows and takes 
off his hat.) 

Mr. St. N. : Good evening, young people ! I see 
you are at your old-time tricks of hanging up your 
stockings. This won't do. Don't you know it's 
gone out of fashion? {Goes toward fireplace ; the boys 
rush to protect their property.) 

John: Who are you, sir? And how dare you in- 
terfere with our fun? 

Mr. St. N.: I am the new, up-to-the-times 
Santa Claus. My proper name is Mr. St. Nicholas. 
I am on my rounds to take the names of all the 
young people who deserve a remembrance at 
Christmas time. I haven't a moment to lose. My 
telephones are overburdened with messages, my 
men are distracted with the work to be done be- 



MR. ST. NICHOLAS. 35 

tween now and daylight. (Pulls out a book and pen- 
cil and prepares to write zvliile lie addresses Tom and 
speaks rapidly without waiting for a reply.) Your 
name, young man? Your age, birthplace, parents' 
names? Residence? Attendant at what school? 
What specific tastes? List of last year's presents. 
Make haste, time is money. 

Katie: But Santa — I mean Mr. St. Nicholas — 
here are our stockings. 

Mr. St. N.: Christmas stockings! trash and non- 
sense. They belong to the dark ages. 

Harry : Pray, how do you bestow your gifts? 

Mr. St. N.: By district messenger service, of 
course! Next boy (to Charlie), give me your name, 
age, birthplace, parents' names, residence, school, 
specific tastes, last year's presents. 

Charlie : How did you come here, Mr. St. Nich- 
olas? I heard no sleigh-bells at the door. 

Mr. St. N. (scornfully) : More nonsense to ex- 
plain. I came down from the north pole in an air- 
ship of the latest pattern. Come, now, here are 
these girls waiting to be classified. (To Dora.) 
Name, age 

Dora : I won't be put in statistics, even if it is 
Christmas and you are the patron saint. 

Charlie : Nor I. I didn't vote for any improve- 
ments. Take them away. 

John : You seem a trifle ahead of the age, Mr. 
St. Nicholas, or else we made a great mistake in 
being discontented with our old-fashioned Christmas. 

Tom : Allow me to call down your air-ship. 

(Mr. St. Nicholas is ushered to the door. The 
others turn back at the sound of sleigh-bells. Santa 
Claus appears at the fireplace.) 

Children (greeting him with enthusiasm) : Jolly 
old Saint Nicholas! 



36 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Santa Claus : Oh ! ho ! ha ! ha ! Are you really 
glad to see such an old-fashioned specimen as I am? 

John : Indeed we are! We have just shown your 
usurper the door. 

Bess {clasping S. C.'s hand) : You are the real 
Santa Claus. 

Santa Clans : Yes, 1 am the real Santa Claus, 
and I cannot get to work until you children are fast 
asleep. So scurry away as fast as you can, and a 
merry, merry Christmas when you awake! 

Children {singing to the tune of "Nancy Lee" 
and at the end leaving the stage) : 

Oh! Christmas time has come again, 

Tra la la la, tra la la la. 
We welcome it with glad refrain, 

Tra la la la la la. 
Of all the happy holidays this year, 
There's none so joyous, none so dear, 
Then sing we all oui song of festive glee, 
Of Santa Claus and Christmas tree. 

Chorus. — O ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, 
Their music all our pleasure tells. {Repeat?) 

{Santa Claus unpacks his goods, and as he fills the 
stockings he performs various antics, holds up the objects, 
and dances about, Any local expressions that will create 
amusement he can bring in with running commentaries. 
The piano is heard softly titl he is through, and then bursts 
out loudly as the curtain is draivn.) 



CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS. 37 



Christmas Offerings by Children from Other 
Lands. 

By Ella M. Powers. 

(Directions. — This exercise may be given by six little girls. The plat- 
form may be decorated with evergreen trees or boughs, and flags should be 
used freely. The American girl should be dressed in an American flag 
and wear a cap of red, white, and blue. The costumes of the others may 
be as follows : 

The Eskimo girl should procure a boy's fur coat, or wrap a fur rug 
about her and wear a fur cap or hood and fur mittens. 

The Indian girl can throw about her a gay-colored blanket, and wear 
strings of beads about her neck, arms, and head. Her straight dark hair 
should be parted in the middle, plaited in two braids in the back, and 
decorated with short pieces of bright ribbons. Moccasins and dark brown 
stockings may be worn on the feet. Bracelets, earrings, chains, beads, 
quills, and brooches may be used as ornaments. The hands, arms, and 
face should be stained. To color the skin get a stick of Hess Grease 
Paint No. 17. Rub a little vaseline into the skin to be tinted. Then rub 
a portion of the paint on the palm of the left hand and with the fingers of 
the right hand transfer it evenly to the skin surface until the required 
tint is obtained. 

The Chinese girl should be dressed brightly with large, square, loose 
hanging sleeves, a broad sash tied on one side, her hair brushed flat, coiled 
in the back, with haircomb and pins thrust into the coil. She may have a 
Japanese parasol and carry a fan. 

The African girl may be dressed in red and black, with black hair and 
red handkerchief over her head and large rings in her ears. Face and 
hands blackened with burnt cork. 

The Arabian girl can wear a tunic or bright shawl draped about her, a 
turban of a bright silk handkerchief, and wear feathers in her hair. She 
should be very dark-complexioned. 

The American giri enters, takes her seat in the center of the platform, 
saying : ) 

American girl : 

And this again is Christmas day ; 

My invitations all 
Have gladly been accepted ; 
Let us see who first will call. 

(Eskimo girl enters, bows, comes forward with a fur bag filled with 
presents, which she passes to the American girl as she mentions them.) 

Eskimo girl : 

I'm a little Eskimo girl, 

I live in the land of ice, 
We never saw a Christmas tree 
Nor fruits and candies nice ; 



38 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

But we run races o'er the snow, 

Beneath the big, bright moon, 
And from this far away ice-land, 

I've brought you a nice bone spoon. 
My father hunts all through the day 

For reindeer, seal, and bear, 
And sends away in ships so strong 

These furs so rich and rare, 
And fish, and birds, and whales, you know, 

I've seen them many a time, 
And here's a pretty fur for you 

That came from the arctic clime. 

(Eskimo girl offers presents and steps to one side. American girl bows 
and places presents on the boughs beside her. Enter Indian girl.) 

Indian girl : 

I'm a little Indian girl, 

I live in the far Northwest, 
In the land of the Dakotas, 

In the land I love the best. 
I've brought a nice bead-basket, 

I made it all. You see 

I know about your Christmas 

A happy day to thee. 
And here's an arrow-head for you, 

And a piece of pottery queer, 
And here are herbs for medicine good, 

To make you strong, my dear. 

We children shoot and fish and hunt 

Just as our fathers do, 
The whole wide forest is our home ; 

It feeds and clothes us, too, 

(Steps aside. Enter Chinese girl.) 

Chinese girl : 

I'm a little Chinese girl, 

They say I've almond eyes, 
I live in a boat, on a river we float, 
And often eat rice and rat pies. 



CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS. 39 

And here is a bamboo basket, 

Filled with choicest tea, 
I picked and dried it all myself 

It comes from Ken See Lee. (Bows low.) 

With us we have no Christmas, 

No presents nor a tree ; 
But there in the boat, I made this toy, 

This, too, comes from Ken See Lee. 

(Chinese girl bows low and takes a seat on low stool in front of Ameri 
can girl. Enter African girl.) 

African girl : 

I'm a dark little African girl, 

I live in a forest land, 
With kinky curls and jet black eyes, 

I watch the elephant band. 

My father hunts these animals, 

From one of them I bring 
An elephant's tusk to you, my friend, 

'Twill make you a pretty ring. 

And here is ebony wood for you, 

A cocoanut from the palm, 
And dates to eat, so very sweet, 

All from our African farm. 

(Offers presents, which American girl hangs on the boughs. African giil 
steps to her left. Enter Arabian girl.) 

Arabian girl : 

I'm a little Arabian girl, 

I live in a desert land, 
In tents on the plain so hot and dry, 

And I play on the burning sand ; 

Here is a pretty pearl I've brought, 

And an ostrich's egg so rare ; 
An Arab pony you should have 

And a cloak of camel's hair. 



40 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

I never hear about Christmas, 
And don't- know what you mean, 

But hope you will accept these gifts, 
And this ostrich feather green. 

(Offers gifts. American girl accepts them, rises, places them on tree ; 
then turns and repeats :) 

Ai?ierican girl : 

And I'm a happy American girl, 

How thankful I should be, 
That Christmas is so bright a day 
And means so much to me. 

I thank you, friends, for all these gifts, 

Of presents I've my share ; 
And you show your good-will to men 

With generous gifts so rare. 
(All stand in line and repeat together :) 

All : Our countries all are glorious lands, 
So great, so rich, so rare ; 
Our people all are glorious bands ; 
So true, so good, so fair. 

Whatever country we are from, 

Whatever life we lead, 
We'll do our best ; be good and true, 

And do some noble deed. 



A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 41 



A Christmas Reunion. 



By M. D. Sterling. 

Characters represented : Father Christmas, a large boy dressed 
in long belted robe ; he carries a staff, and wears a white wig and beard. 
Mother Goose, a tall girl wearing a peaked soft hat tied over an old lady's 
frilled cap ; also neck-kerchief and apron ; spectacles on nose, and a broom 
of twigs, such as street-cleaners use, complete her costume. Mother Goose's 
son. Jack and her Children may be costumed according to the pictures in 
any good illustrated copy of " Mother Goose." The Children of the Na- 
tions are sufficiently represented by boys and girls each carrying one of 
the flags of all nations, but elaborate costumes in keeping with the national 
character may be used, if desired. Thanksgiving and Happy New Year, 
large girls in white Grecian dresses, flowing sleeves ; their children, Peace 
and Plenty, Good Resolutions and Hope are represented by smaller girls in 
white, Peace carry. ng an olive branch, Plenty a cornucopia, Good Resolu- 
tions a diary and pen, and Hope wearing a wreath of golden stars and car- 
rying a gilt anchor (cut from heavy cardboard) ; Santa Claus, a stout, roly- 
poly boy, if possible, wearing a long overcoat flaked with cotton (to rep- 
resent snow) and a round fur cap and mittens ; an empty pack should hang 
carelessly from one shoulder.) 

(Enter Father Christmas and Mother Goose, arm in arm. While con- 
versing, they walk up and down the platform. At the end of Mother 
Goose's second speech, they seat themselves in two large arm-chairs, 
which should be ready in middle of platform.) 

Mother Goose : 
Well, well, Father Christmas, I'll do as you say, 
And put off my trip for the frolic to-day. 
Your thought of a Christmas reunion is fine 
For all of our relatives — yours, sir, and mine ; — 
So, though greatly disposed at this season to wander 
Afloat in the air on my very fine gander, 
Instead of such exercise, wholesome and hearty, 
I've come with great pleasure to your Christmas party. 

Father Christmas {halving) : 
Thanks, thanks, Mother Goose, for the honor you pay 
To me your old friend now this many a day ; 
Tho' we may not, of course, on all questions agree, 
We're alike in our love for the children, you see ; 



42 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

To give them delight is our greatest of pleasures, 
And freely we share with them best of our treasures ; 
Our energies each of us constantly bends 
To keep our loved title " The Children's Two Friends." 

Mother Goose : 
Ah, yes, Father Christmas, my jingles and rhymes, 
The boys and girls know in far separate climes, 
And sometimes I think that your son Santa Claus 
Earns me more than my share of the children's applause; 
For wherever he goes with his wonderful pack 
Santa always has some of my books on his back ; 
When from Christmas-eve dreams children's eyelids un- 
loose 
Oft they find in their stockings my book, " Mother Goose." 

Father Christmas : 
'Tis true, my dear madam, that I and my son 
Respect most profoundly the work you have done. 
The boys from our store-rooms in Christmas-tree Land, 
Get the bonbons we make on the Sugar-loaf Strand ; 
The children enjoy thern, — I cannot deny it, — 
But still need your writings as part of their diet ; 
Your rhymes, wise and witty, their minds will retain 
When their toys and their candy are done, — that is plain! 

(Enter Jack, the son of Mother Goose. He carries a large golden egg.) 

Jack : Oh, there you are, Mother Goose, hob- 
nobbing with Father Christmas! My goose must 
have known there was going to be a reunion of the 
Goose and Christmas families! She was so obliging 
as to lay another egg in honor of the occasion. You 
shall have it, Father Christmas, and may good luck 
go with it. {Hands egg.) 

Father Christmas : Thank you, Jack. That's a 
present worth having! I wish my son Santa Claus 
had as fine a gift to put in every poor body's stock- 
ing. He is out on his rounds now, but expects to 
be back, as he said, " before the fun begins." 

Jack ; Santa's always ready for fun ! 



A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 43 

Mother Goose {taking Jack 's hand, as lie stands 
beside her) : 

" This, my son Jack, 

Is a smart-looking lad ; 
He is not very good, 
Nor yet very bad." 

{Sound of voices outside?) 
Jack: Dear me, mother! I can't stir without 
those young ones following me ! {Sound of voices 
and knocking}) 

Children {outside): Jack! Jack! 
Jack {calling): All right. Come in. I'm here, 
and Mother Goose and Father Christmas, too. 
Surprise us all by being good, won't you ? 

(Enter, two by two, Little Bo-Peep with a bundle of lamb's wool sus- 
pended from a shepherdess crook ; Little Jack Horner, carrying carefully 
a deep pan covered with paper pie crust ; Little Miss Muffett, carrying a 
bowl and spoon ; Peter Pumpkin Eater, with a pumpkin under his arm ; 
Curly Locks, with a piece of needlework : Little Boy Blue, with a Christ- 
mas horn ; Contrary Mary, with a string of bells for bracelets, and carry- 
ing shells ; Little Tommy Tucker, with a sheet of music ; Jack and Jill, 
carrying a pail ; Simple Simon, finger in mouth, looking as idiotic as 
possible: Polly Flinders, in a torn dress, sprinkled with ashes. The chil- 
dren march and countermarch to music around Mother Goose and Father 
Christmas, bowing as they pass them. When Mother Goose claps her 
hands the children group themselves on her side of platform, not in a stiff 
row, but as naturally as possible. As one after another comes forward for 
his or her speech, the others appear to be conversing among themselves, 
making the by-play in keeping with their characters.) 

Mother Goose : Tell Father Christmas your names 
now, my pretty ones, and give him the presents 
you have brought in his honor. 

Little Bo-Peep {coming forward) : I'm little Bo- 
Peep who lost her sheep. I bring you some fine 
lamb's wool to keep you warm, Father Christmas. 

{Father Christmas receives zvith a gracious air this 
gift and those that follow, handing them afterward to 
Jack Goose, who puts them into a large box or basket 
previously provided for the purpose. ) 

Jack Horner : I'm little Jack Horner who sat in 
a corner, eating a Christmas pie. I've brought you 



44 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

one just like it, Father Christmas. This pie is full 
of plums, and I haven't put in my thumb to pull 
out one! (Goes back to place after handing pie.) 

Miss Muffet : I'm little Miss Muffet, sir. I sat 
on a tuffet, eating some curds and whey ; but there 
came a big spider, and I was frightened away. Do 
you like curds and whey, Father Christmas? I hope 
so, for here are some in a bowl. (Hands gift, and 
returns to place.) 

Peter Pumpkin Eater: Here come I, Peter, Peter, 
Pumpkin Eater. But I've saved a nice pumpkin 
for you, Father Christmas, and here it is. (Returns 
to place. ) 

Curly Locks : Just little Curly Locks who sits on 
a cushion and sews a fine seam, and feeds upon 
strawberries, sugar, and cream ! Here's some of 
my sewing, Father Christmas. (Presents needlezvork, 
and returns to place.) 

Little Boy Blue (blowing several blasts on his horn 
as he comes forward): Here's Little Boy Blue ! I 
blow my horn when sheep's in the meadow and 
cow's in the corn. I've brought you my very best 
horn for a present, Father Christmas. It's a good 
one, I can tell you ! (Blows again, and hands to 
Father Christmas, who smilingly tries the horn before 
handing on to Jack.) 

Contrary Mary : " Mary, Mary, quite contrary," 
they call me, Father Christmas. I'm not contrary 
at all. Don't you believe it. Only I dorit like to 
do just the same as other folks. That's the reason 
I'm not going to give you one of my silver bells or 
my pretty shells. I'll keep them myself for the 
present. Perhaps when it's Fourth of July, or some 
other time when nobody else is thinking about giv- 
ing you anything, you'll hear from Contrary Mary. 
[Flounces herself away to place.) 



A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 4S 

MotJicr Goose : Fie, fie, my child ! Give your 
presents to Father Christmas as you should. This 
contrariness grows upon you apace, and must be 
checked at once. [Mary obeys Motlier Goose reluc- 
tantly, pouting and muttering to herself. 

Little Tommy Tucker : I am only little Tommy 
Tucker who sings for his supper. All I can give 
you is a song, Father Christmas! 

TOMMY TUCKER'S SONG. 
(Air: " Ben Bolt.") 

Oh, don't you remember when children were old, 

And money grew up on the trees, 
How we lived upon nothing but cake and ice-cream, 

And had none but our own selves to please? 
We went to bed late every night of our lives, 

And we played every day all day long ; 
And we never did sums, and could spell anyhow, 

And nobody said it was wrong ! 

Oh, don't you remember the naughty child grew, 

The good one was good all in vain, 
Till dear Father Christmas and Mother Goose, too, 

To children their duty made plain ? 
So now we can cipher and spell with a will, 

And at nine we are snug in our beds, 
With good Father Christmas in all of our dreams, 

And Mother Goose songs in our heads ! 

Father Christmas : Bravo, Tom Tucker! Be sure 
you shall have the supper for which you have sung 
so well. Bless my eyes ! Who comes here ? 

Jack and Jill {together): We are Jack and Jill, 
Father Christmas. And here's a pail for you. It 
is the one that we had when " Jack fell down and 
broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after." 
{Hands a pail.) 



46 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Simple Simon {drawling): Simple Simon, I am. 
I met a pieman going to the fair. Says Simple 
Simon to the pieman, " Let me taste your fare." 
Says the pieman to Simple Simon, " Show me first 
your penny." Says Simple Simon to the pieman, 
" Indeed, I have not any." 

Father Christmas : So you did not get the pie ? 
My boy, let it be a lesson to you that in this world 
nobody can have something for nothing. 

Polly Flinders {sobbing)-. I don't look fit to come 
to a party, Father Christmas, for I burnt my best 
dress sitting among the cinders. Please excuse me 
this time, and let me stay, though I have no gift. 

Father Christmas : Certainly, my dear, certainly. 

Mother Goose {severely) : You are entirely too 
indulgent, Father Christmas ! Polly Flinders, who 
sat among the cinders, ought to have stayed at 
home. (Polly begins to ery.) 

Father Christmas : Oh, we must overlook her 
appearance this time, Mother Goose. Christmas is 
no time for tears. Go back among your brothers 
and sisters, Polly. Mother Goose and I will let you 
stay, but don't sit again among the cinders, Polly 
Flinders ! 

(Sound of singing outside. Children of All Nations enter, waving flags. 
At the conclusion of their song they stand in a semicircle behind Father 
Christmas and Mother Goosed 



SONG OF ALL NATIONS. 
(Air : " Upidee," page 68, Franklin Sq. Coll. No. i.) 

Dear Father Christmas, you we greet, 

Tra la la, tra la la, 
i\.nd Mother Goose, his friend so meet, 

Tra la la, la la. 
From every nation on the earth 
We hail you both with Christmas mirth. 



A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 47 

Chorus. — Merry, merry Christmas, all ! 
Christmas gay, happy day ! 
Merry, merry Christmas, all ! 
Merry Christmas day ! 

(Pointing to Mother Goose and Father Christmas.) 

" The Children's Friends " their name is known, 

Tra la la, tra la la ; 
Oh, long may they that title own, 

Tra la la, la la. 
Wherever in the whole wide world 
The flag of childhood is unfurled. — Cho. 

(Taking places.) 

Above our two most loving friends, 

Tra la la, tra la la, 
The banner of each nation bends, 

Tra la la, la la. 
Hurrah for Father Christmas dear ! 
And also Mother Goose we'll cheer ! — Cho. 

(Enter Thanksgiving, carrying a basket of fruit, and accompanied by 
her children, Peace and Plenty.) 

Father Christmas : Why, here's my dear niece 
Thanksgiving, with her two fine youngsters, Peace 
and Plenty ! Thanksgiving, my dear, permit me to 
present you to Mother Goose, her son Jack, and all 
the rest of her family. {Mutual recognitions.} Also, 
to the Children of All Nations. {Bows.) 

Thanksgiving : 

With Peace and with Plenty, my children, I bring 

To good Father Christmas our small offering. {Pre- 
sents basket.) 

Peace and Plenty (together) : 

Long live Father Christmas and Mother Goose, too ! 

Their fame is world-wide, and their friends not a few. 

(Thanksgiving, Peace, and Plenty now take places near Father Christ- 
mas, while Happy New Year enters, carrying a bunch of keys. She is 
accompanied by two children, Hope and Good Resolutions.) 



48 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Father Christmas {rising to greet her) : My dear 
daughter Happy New Year, we are glad to see you, 
with Hope and Good Resolutions looking so bright 
and well. Permit me to introduce my guests. {Mu- 
tual recognitions.} 

Happy New Year : 

With Good Resolutions quite close to my side, 
And sweet little Hope with me whate'er betide, 
I bring Father Christmas the bright golden keys 
That will open my door '98 with ease. 

Hope and Good Resolutions {together) : 
Good cheer, Mother Goose ! Father Christmas, good 

cheer ! 
We wish each and all of you happy New Year I 

(Happy New Year and her children group themselves next to Thanks- 
giving. Enter Santa Claus, bustling about and shaking hands with every- 
body while speaking.) 

Santa Claus : 
What ho, Father Christmas ! What ho, Mother Goose ! 
At last from my Christmas-eve duties I'm loose. 
Not a stocking from north pole to south but I've filled, 
Books, candies, and toys by each mantlepiece spilled. 
My pack is quite empty, my reindeer done out, 
But on Christmas morning there'll be such a shout 
From the east to the west, from the south to the north, 
When their gifts from their stockings the children pull 

forth, 
That it's worth all my trouble — that hearty good cheer, 
" Hurrah ! In the night Santa Claus has been here ! " 
But, folks, I am hungry, I freely confess, 
So on to the dining-room now I will press. 
Roast turkey and cranberry sauce and mince pie 
Are there on the table, I saw passing by. 

Father Christmas: 
Now Santa has come, let the banquet be shared 
That for our reunion I've ordered prepared. 
To the dining-room we will adjourn, Mother Goose ; 

( Takes her arm.) 



CHRISTMAS WAITS. 49 

Come, all the rest, follow — I'll take no excuse. 

Santa Claus, lead Thanksgiving ; Jack, Happy New Year; 

Away now, my friends, to our good Christmas cheer ! 

(All go out, two by two, singing the following stanza to the air of 
" Upidee.") 

All together : 

Come to the Christmas feast so gay, 

Tra la la, tra la la ; 
Good Father Christmas leads the way, 

Tra la la, la la. 
Come, children, he'll " take no excuse ; ,D 
Come, follow him and Mother Goose. 

Merry, merry Christmas, all ! 

Christmas gay, happy day ! 
Merry, merry Christmas, all, 

Merry Christmas day. 



Christmas Waits. 

By Katherine West. 

(Dress four boys, or six, in a quaint costume, — full knee-breeches, low 
shoes with bright buckles, tunic or doublet with white frills at the throat 
and wrist ; a short full cape hanging from the shoulders, and soft caps 
with plumes. Old garments may be re-arranged to give a picturesque 
effect, or some new, inexpensive material bought. Each boy should have 
a voice of pleasing quality, and be taught the Christmas song perfectly. 

Arrange a frame like a window casement at the back of the platform a 
little to one side. Behind this let a light burn dimly until a signal is 
given for full illumination. If practicable, leave the rest of the stage and 
audience-room in darkness. 

The boys begin to sing behind closed doors, and are heard coming 
nearer singing the first verse of " On this Happy Birthday." They enter 
and approach the centre of the platform. The casement is thrown open 
and half a dozen children's heads appear. There is a clapping of hands 
till the second verse is begun by the waits. At the last line the children 
throw out pennies and candies wrapped in paper. The singers scramble 
for them, and then give the third verse of the carol. The fourth verse 
may be sung as the boys move away and disappear in the distance. As a 
preliminary to this little performance a few words may be said about the 
old English custom of the waits coming to sing under the windows on 
Christmas eve.) 



5* 



CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 




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A CHRISTiMAS PARTY. $1 

A Christmas Party. 

By Lizzie M. Hadley. 

(Characters : 1897, a bent and feeble old man with skull-cap and 
white beard, leaning on a cane. The number 1897 across his forehead or 
breast. South Wind, a slender brunette in veil, mantle, and cape of green 
cheese cloth, cape belted down in the back. As she enters she flourishes 
her arms to throw out veil and cape. Messenger, in lettered uniform. 
Four Heralds, uniformed somewhat like messenger. Nine Fairies, very 
small girls. Corenets of silver paper. Flowing robes of cheese cloth with 
angel sleeves worn over clothing sufficiently warm for the season. Colors 
to represent the plants whose leaves they carry. Silver belts, shoe-buckles, 
and necklaces. Leaves cut from green paper, and letters from gilt. 
Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas ; Kniglit Rupert, and Ba- 
bousca in appropriate costumes. Nine Children, in ordinary clothes. 
North Wind, East Wind, and West Wind in costumes similar to South 
Wind, but varying in color, — white for north, blue for east, and red for 
west. The Winds stand behind St. Nicholas and keep up a restless blow- 
ing ; that is, a fluttering and ballooning of capes and veils by flourishing 
arms.) 

l8gj : I'm growing old and feeble, 

So much excitement's wrong ; 
Folks should have had their Christmas 

When I was young and strong. 
Instead of that, they take it 

When I really ought to rest. 
My last days should be peaceful 

But — Father Time knows best 

And now I must be stirring, 

And call for Santa Claus ; 
I almost dread his coming, 

There's always such a noise. 
The winds shall be my heralds — 

Come, North Wind, where are you ? 
Just whisper to old Santa 

That here he'll soon be due. 

Now while I am about it, 

Perhaps it would be best 
To call that windy herald 

Whose home is in the west. 
{Enter South Wind.) 
Here comes my daughter, South Wind. 



$2 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

South Wind : 

I'm almost out of breath, 

I really fear the North Wind 
Intends to be my death. 

1897 : I'll bid him treat you kindly ; 

He should not be so rough ; 
He's getting much too boisterous, 

I know that well enough. 
You're all here now but East Wind 

I'll call for him again. 

Messenger (entering) : 

The East Wind says his health demands 
A little snow or rain. 
189J : Well, well, just tell the storm clouds 

To send us rain or snow. 
(Snow flakes begin to fall, seen through a winaow, — cot- 
ton or bits of paper.) 

Well done ! Now are you ready 

Upon your way to go ? 
For some one must be bidding 

Knight Rupert come this way, 
To give the German children 

Their presents, Christmas day. 
And then there's old Babousca — 

In Russia she'll be found ; 
Kriss Kringle and St. Nicholas, 
They, too, must both be round. 

Heralds : We know where each one liveth, 
Full soon they shall appear. 
We go to do your bidding. 
Farewell, farewell, Old Year. 
(Exit Heralds. Enter Fairies?) 

189J : Bless me ! what little people ! 
(Speaks to first one.) 
Why, who are you, my dear ? 
I ne'er before have seen you. 
What are you doing here ? 



A CHRISTMAS PARTY 

Fairies : Ok, we are little fairies 

From out the ether blue. 
Here is a Christmas posy 

We are bringing unto you. 
And the initial letters 

Will a starry chaplet make. 
Each trusts you will receive it, 
And wear it for her sake. 



53 




First Fairy (pointing to first leaf in chaplet) : 

This is for Cypress. 
Second Fairy : And this for Holly. 
Third Fairy : And this for Rose of Jericho. 
Fourth Fairy : And this for Ivy. 
Fifth Fairy : And this for Speedwell. 
Sixth Fairy : And this for Thyme. 
Seventh Fairy : And this for Mistletoe. 
Eighth Fairy : And this for 

the quivering Aspen. 
Ninth Fairy : And this for Star of Bethlehem. 
{They place chaplet upon the head of 1897.) 
189J : Here's thanks, my little people, 
For this your posy sweet ; 
Your loving thought has surely 
Made my happiness complete. 



54 



CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



(Enter Kriss Kringle, Santa C/ai/s, Prince Rupert, and 
Babousca.) 

Why here is old Kriss Krinkle ; 

And Santa's coming, too ; 
Knight Rupert and Babousca, 

I welcome both of you. 
And from the frozen Northland, 

I see a-riding down 




A CHRISTMAS PARTY. 55 

The cheery old St. Nicholas, 
Clad in his friar's gown. 

(Enter St. Nicholas) 

{Enter children, singing. They march around the stage, 
and finally stop in front of l8gj and the others) 

See how the children, so happy and gay, 

Come marching together this glad Christmas day. 

Children : 
With hands on our heads, while the bells sweetly chime, 
All blithely we're keeping the glad Christmas time. 
Marching and singing, so gayly we go. 
Turning and winding in lines to and fro. 
Clap all together, and sing, sing away, 
So merrily keeping this glad Christmas day. 

l8gy : Oh, children, little children, 

You're welcome here alway ; 

I'm glad to see you coming 

To keep our Christmas day. 

{Bells outside.) 

Oh, children, little children, 

Why do the joy-bells chime ? 

{Singing heard outside. The following words, to the 
tune of "Ring, Ye Happy Christmas Bells.' 1 ) 

Carol, O ye children all, 

With no thought of sadness ; 
Welcome in the Christmas time 

With your songs of gladness- 

Chorus. — Sing, O sing, 
Bells all ring, 

Let us now be merry, 
Let us welcome Christmas day 

With our songs so cheery. 

l8gy : Hark, how the winds are blowing, 
What music do they bring. 



56 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Children : You hear the little children 

Their Christmas carols sing. 

l8gy : O children, little children, 
What light is that afar ? 

Children : 'Tis shining from the heavens, 
A glorious Christmas star. 

l8gy : O children, little children, 

What means its glorious rays ? 
And why is Christmas better 
Than many other days ? 

Children : Oh, don't you know the story 
Of the first Christmas time ? 
Then listen, we will tell it, 

While the bells so sweetly chime. 

First child : We count the years by hundreds 
Since that first Christmas day, 
When in a lowly manger 
The little Christ-child lay. 

Second child : That night some shepherds tending 
Their flocks upon the hill, 
Heard heavenly voices singing, 

" Peace, peace ! On earth, good will.' 

Third child : All bright as noon-tide splendor. 
A light about them shone, 
While louder sang the angels, 
" A Saviour hath been born ! " 

Fourth child : And then a sudden darkness — 
The voices died away, 
The wondering shepherds hurried 
To where the young Child lay. 

Fifth child ; Their flocks were all untended, 

While filled with love and awe, 
They bent above the manger 
And the Baby Jesus saw. 



A CHRISTMAS PARTY. 57 

Sixth child : Then, too, the wise men watching 
Beheld a star that shone, 
In the blue heavens ahove them 
To tell that Christ was born. 

Seventh child : And with their camels laden 
With spices and gold. 
They came from eastern countries 
The young King to behold. 

Eighth child : The star still went before them, 
And pointing out the way, 
It shone upon the stable 

Where the Babe of Bethlehem lay 

Ninth child : And then, all lowly bending, 

They worshipped the young King, 
And gave him from their treasures 
Full many an offering. 

Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Kriss Kringle, etc. : 
O children we have numbered 

Long centuries since then, 
But we see at every Christmas 

That little Child again. 
And we bring to all good children 

In memory of that time, 
Some pretty Christmas present, 

While the joy-bells gayly chime. 

l8gy : O children, little children, 
I soon must pass away, 
But 'tis good to have the memory 
Of this blessed Christmas day. 

Santa Claus and others : 

We, too, must now be going, 

And as we march along, 
O let us sing together 

A happy Christmas song. 



$8 • CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

(All march out singing. Tune " Yankee Doodle") 
O the merry Christmas time 

Now is in the way, sir, 
Ev'ry sweet and happy chime 

Tells of Christmas day, sir. 

Chorus. — Christmas it is coming, now, 

Don't you hear the bells, sir? 
Happy Christmas time is here, 
To the world we tell, sir. 



Santa's Helpers. 

By M. Nora Boylan. 

The fairies and brownies on last Christmas-tide 
Decided to open their hearts very wide, 
And spend extra time, throughout the whole year, 
In helping their grandfather — Santa Claus dear. 

" Our fingers are nimble. We'll quickly make toys 
Enough to supply all the girls and the boys, 
And Santa may watch us to see if it's right, 
So all will be ready before Christmas night." 

Then bravely they all went to work with a will, 
And soon all was quiet in workshop and mill ; 
For .old Santa said, " Enough, and well done, 
We've toys enough now to make all kinds of fun." 

We thank you, old Santa, and your helpers, too, 
For all of the many kind things that you do ; 
And should you need more help in making your toyj, 
Just call on your small friends, the girls and the boys. 



CHRISTMAS EVE— SANTA CLAUS'S VISIT. 59 



Christmas Eve. 

(This must be spoken as if singing; a lullaby to a baby, with motions 
indicating the sleeping child near.) 

Oh, hush thee, little dear, my soul, 
The evening shades are falling ; 

Hush thee, my dear, dost thou not hear 
The voice of the Master calling ? 

Deep lies the snow upon the earth, 

But all the sky is ringing 
With joyous song, and all night long 

The stars shall dance with singing. 

Oh, hush thee, little dear, my soul, 
And close thine eyes in dreaming, 

And angels fair shall lead thee where 
The singing stars are beaming. 

A shepherd calls his little lambs, 
And he longeth to caress them ; 

He bids them rest upon his breast, 
That his tender love may bless them. 

So, hush thee, little dear, my soul, 
Whilst evening shades are falling, 

And above the song of the heavenly throng 
Thou shalt hear the Master calling. 

— Eugene Field. 



Santa Claus's Visit. 

By Susie M. Best. 

With a click and a clack 

And a great big pack, 

Down through the chimney, 

Pretty nimbly 

Somebody comes on Christmas eve ! 



60 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

If we are real nice 

And as still as mice, 

If we never peep, 

And are sound asleep, 

He'll fill our stockings, I do believe ! 

And when we arise 

Next day our eyes 

Will grow big to see 

How perfectly 

He knew what we all wished to receive ! 

To Santa Claus. 

By Jennie D. Moore. 
(Recitation for a little boy.) 

Dear Santa Claus, I'll let you know 
The few things that I need, 

And if you'll bring them to me 
I'll be much obliged indeed. 

I want a horse and wagon, 

And a boat that's painted red, 

An elephant, a jumping-jack — 
You need not bring a sled, 

For I have one very pretty ; 

But I want a trotting-horse, 
A man who wheels a wheel-barrow, 

And candy, too, of course. 

Now, Santa dear, you'll not forget. 

I wish you'd write them down, 
And leave them all at my house 

When you journey through the town. 



WHAT I SHOULD LIKE— A GENTLE REMINDER. 61 



What I Should Like. 

By Jennie D. Moore. 
(Recitation for a little girl.) 

On Christmas eve I'd like to lie 
Awake, when stars are in the sky, 
And listen to the sound that swells 
From Santa Claus's jingling Dells. 

I'd like to hear upon the roof 
The patter of each tiny hoof 
Of Santa's reindeer overhead, 
When I am snug and warm in bed. 

But mamma says I must not lie 
Awake, or he will pass me by ; 
He does not like the girls or boys 
To watch him when he brings the toys. 

I think I'd better go to sleep. 
I guess the presents all will keep, 
Then in the morning I shall be - 
Glad to think I did not see. 

HPi 

A Gentle Reminder. 

Something new about Christmas? 

Why, what were half so sweet 
As the old, old way of keeping 

The day our glad hearts greet ? 

The old, old chimes are dearest; 

The old, old songs are best ; 
It's the old, old gladness welling 

Within each joyous breast. 

Then my little lad said slyly, 

" Remember, if that's true, 
That your old, old way, mamma dear, 

Was to give vie something new.'' 

Alice W. J? o I tins. 



62 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Christmas Time. 

By M. N. B. 
(An introductory recitation for a Christmas program.) 

Christmas cime for boys and girls, 

Is a happy day, 
For we go to grandmamma's 

And eat and sing and play. 

Grandma does not say to us — 

" Stop that horrid noise," 
'Cause she understands we can't, 

When we're " only boys." 

And she lets the girls play house, 

In the garret old, 
And when they strew things around, 

Grandma doesn't scold. 

But we ought to pick them up, 

Even on Christmas day, 
For we shouldn't make kind friends 

Trouble with our play. 

Yes, we love the Christmas time 

Best of all the year, 
We have waited for it long, 

Now, at last, it's here. 

-»> 
Christmas Wishes. 

By C. Phillips. 

(These couplets may be given by three primary children to open a 
Christmas program.) 

First child : 

Dear teachers and friends, allow me to say 
That we wish you a very glad Christmas day. 



CHRISTMAS MORN— THE CHRISTMAS SECRETS. 63 

Second child : 

That our darling old " Santa," as sly as a fox, 
May leave at your door both bundle and box. 

Third child : 

And that beaatiful gifts for one and for all 
From the evergreen boughs may happily fall ! 

Christmas Morn. 

By M. N. B. 

(Recitation and chorus. A semi-circle of primary children is .ormed on 
he stage. They sing first verse of the familiar church tune, "Joy to the 
world.") 

Chorus. — Joy to the world, the Lord has come, 
Let earth receive her King, 
Let every heart prepare him room, 
And heaven and nature sing. 

Recitation {one child steps forward). — 

In Bethlehem, the story goes, 

A little Child was born, 
Low in a manger He *vas laid 
The first glad Christmas morn. 

That Child is now our Saviour King, 

Of Him we sing to-day ; 
And may glad bells o'er all the earth 

Ring out a gladsome lay. 

Chorus. — Joy to the world, a Saviour reigns, 
Let men their tongues employ, 
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and vales 
Repeat the sounding joy. 

My Christmas Secrets. 

By S. C. Peabody. 

Hurry Christmas ! How you creep ! 
I've some presents I can't keep, 
Just this morning I forgot, 
And told baby what I'd bought. 



64 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

All he answered was, " Goo goo ! J 
So I don't think that he knew, 
I told mamma hers was white, 
And she'd wear it every night. 

That she'd need it getting tea. 
Then my mamma smiled at me, 
And she whispered, " Isn't May 
Letting secrets fly away ? " 



Kriss Kringle. 

By Susie M. Best. 

If there's any one here who ever has seen 
The face of Kriss Kringle, I'll think he is mean 
If he is not willing at once to arise 
And tell the real color and shape of his eyes ! 

Somehow I much doubt if the gentleman looks 
Like the pictures we see in the shops and the books. 
I've a sort of a notion we'd all be surprised 
If we suddenly saw him, by day, undisguised ! 

Is he big, is he little, is he young, is he old ? 
There are some things, I know, that can't always be told. 
But I'd much like to know why it is he must keep 
Himself hidden securely till we are asleep ? 

I've made up my mind that I'm going to watch, 
And see if I cannot by any means catch 
One glimpse of his face as he comes down the flue, 
And if I succeed I'll describe him to you ! 



A MESSAGE-THE MOUSIE. 



65 



A Message. 

By Ella M. Powers. 
(For three primary children to recite.) 

First pupil : One true thing I have to say, 

Clap your hands now, for you may, 
It's very happy, very dear, 
This Christmas day will soon be lv 
But children learn to understand, 
That loyal heart and loving hand, 
Can pray, " Oh, Saviour, so divine, 
Make our lives so much like thine.' 



re 



Second pupil : Yes, far away that Christmas night, 
A star above the Christ shone bright, 
And led the shepherds from afar 
To seek that bright and glorious star. 

Third pupil : The shepherds came with presents rare 
And knelt with tender love and care, 
Before that child so sweet and true, 
And loved Him as we all should do ; 
And that grand song we hear again, 
"Peace on earth — good will to men." 



The Mousie. 

By M. N. B. 
(A very small primary boy may recite these lines.) 

A mousie got into a great Christmas pie, 
Two little boys heard him, and then they did cry, 
" O mousie ! O mousie ! come quickly away ! 
That pie is not for you, 'tis for our Christmas day. 



66 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



A Letter from Santa Claus. 

By William Howard. 

(A little girl is seated with her slate and pencil. A postman's whistle is 
heard, and she exclaims, " There is the letter-man ! " She runs to the door 
and returns with a large envelope, made of white wrapping-paper sealed 
with red wax, which she tears open, announces it is written by Santa Claus 
to the pupils of the school, and then reads it aloud. In the last verse the 
names of the children present are to be substituted for the printed ones.) 

Merry Christmas ! little children, 

From my home so far away 
Send I loving Christmas greetings 

To you on your holiday. 

You may watch and wait till midnight, 

Looking at the falling snow, 
But be sure you won't discover 

When I come or when I go. 

For I come when all is silent, 

Not a breath will then be heard, 
And I softly through the chimney 

Enter, saying not a word. 

Quickly to the stockings step I, 

And I place in every one 
Something for the Christmas frolic, 

Something for the Christmas fun. 

Hark ! my reindeer out the window, 
Prance and shake a warning note ; 

Santa Claus will speed away then, 
Wrapping close his cap and coat. 

Your surprise, when comes the morning, 
Gladness which your bright eyes tell, 

Grateful, merry, happy children, 
Pleases Santa Claus full well. 

Willie, Alice, Harry, Mary, 

Christmas greetings now I send. 
Cora, Freddie, Sadie, Johnnie, 

Don't forget Santa Claus, your friend. 



THE CHRISTMAS WE LIKE -SAINT NlCK. 6? 



The Christmas We Like. 

By Ella M. Powers. 
(A recitation for two primary children.) 

First pupil : Just a little stocking, 
Very small indeed, 
Hang it by the chimney, 
Santa Claus will heed. 

Then on Christmas morning 

I will run and see 
All the lovely presents 

He has left for me. 

Second pupil : I never think that Christmas 
Is quite so full of joy, 
Unless I find a poor child 
And give her a nice toy. 

For don't you know at Christmas 
We must be happy then, 

And love to do for others 
As Christ did to all men. 



Saint Nick. 

By M. N. B. 
(For the youngest pupil to recite.) 

When cold the winds blow, 

And comes the white snow, 

Then look out for good Saint Nick. 

He comes in a sleigh 

From miles, miles away, 

And vanishes very quick. 



68 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



Merry, Merry Christmas. 

(Over the platform against the wall hang the words " Merry, Merry 
Christmas." They may be simply made of dark-colored pasteboard twelve 
inches high, or the cardboard may be covered with red berries and ever- 
green. The five children who recite in turn point to the words whenever 
they speak them.) 

First child : Oh ! " merry, merry Christmas," 
Blithely let us sing, 
And " merry, merry Christmas," 
Let the church-bells ring. 
Lo ! the little stranger, 
Smiling in the manger 
Is the King of Kings. 

Second child : Oh ! "merry, merry Christmas," 
Weave in fragrant green, 
And " merry, merry Christmas," 
In holly-berries' sheen. 
Opened heaven's portals, 
That by favored mortals 
Angels might be seen. 

Third child : Oh ! "merry, merry Christmas," 
Carol bright and gay, 
For " merry, merry Christmas " 
Is the Children's day ; 
Morning stars revealing 
Shepherds humbly kneeling 
Where the Christ child lay. 

Fourth child : Oh ! " merry, merry Christmas," 
Day of sacred mirth ; 
Oh! merry, merry Christmas," 
Sing the Saviour's birth. 
Christ, the high and holy, 
Once so meek and lowly, 
Came from heaven to earth. 



CHRISTMAS OUESTIONS— A CATASTROPHE. 69 

Fifth child: Oh ! "merry, merry Christmas," 
Shout the happy sound, 
Till " merry, merry Christmas," 
Spreads the world around ; 
Wonderful the story, 
Unto God may glory 
Evermore abound. 
Carine L. Rose, in Good Housekeeping. 



Christmas Questions. 

By Wolstan Dtxey. 
(At the three last words the speaker raises her finger impressively.) 

How old is Santa Claus ? Where does he keep ? 
And why does he come when I am asleep ? 
His hair is so white in the pictures I know, 
Guess he stands on his head all the time in the snow. 
But if he does that, then why don't he catch cold ? 
He must be as much as, — most twenty years old. 
I'd just like to see him once stand on his head, 
And dive down the chimney, as grandmother said. 
Why don't his head get all covered with black ? 
And if he comes head first, how can he get back ? 
Mamma knows about it, but she wont tell me. 
I shall keep awake Christmas eve, then I can see. 
I have teased her to tell me, but mamma she won't, 
So I'll find out myself now ; see if I don't. 

/ 

A Catastrophe 

By Susie M. Best. 

If old Kriss Kringle should forget 

To travel Christmas eve, 
I tell you now, I think next day 

The Httle folks would grieve. 



70 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

There wouldn't be a single toy, 

A single box or book, 
And not a bit of candy in 

Their stockings when they'd look. 

Because, you see, Kriss Kringle has 
A u corner " on these things, 

'Tis he, and he alone, who in 
The night our presents brings. 

Then let us all try to avert 

This sad catastrophe, 
And hope Kriss Kringle may at least 

Remember you and me. 

-*> 
A Christmas Gift. 

By Mabel L. Pray. 

It seems that dear old. Santa Claus 

One day in old November 
Received a note from Dottie D — , 

With words and phrases tender, 
In which she asked the dear old man, 

With many words of warning, 
To bring her a new Paris doll 

On the next Christmas morning. 

Just as he started for his sleigh 

One eve, in old December, 
He turned to Mistress Santa Claus 

And said, " Did you remember 
About that fine new Paris doll 

For wee Dot in the city ? 
I must not fail to take that gift, 

'Twould be a dreadful pity." 

It was early in the morning, 
One day in old December ; 

A very happy, joyous day 
That children all remember, 



A CHRISTMAS GIFT. 71 

When Santa, on his mission fleet, 

To the nursery came creeping, 
And left the fine new Paris doll 

Among the others, sleeping. 

The holly and the mistletoe 

Were bright this winter morning ; 
One stocking filled from top to toe 

The mantel was adorning. 
A Christmas tree hung full with gifts, 

While underneath, reposing 
On an upholstered rocking chair, 

The Paris doll was dozing. 

Then suddenly from out the gloom 

Dot's other dolls came peeping, 
Their hair uncombed, their dresses torn, 

And noses red with weeping ; 
They talked in whispers soft and low, 

But tones that grew quite scornful, 
About the fate that was to greet 

This stranger, sad and mournful. 

There were Annabel and Bessie, 

That came one cold December ; 
They hobbled round with broken backs 

From falling on the fender. 
Then Tommy, Grace, and baby Ruth, 

All came one birthday party, 
And Rose and Don a year ago, 

With Santa Claus so hearty. 

They all assembled round the tree, 

And then with manners shocking 
They pinched and shook the Paris doll, 

And cried in words so mocking — 
"Why, don't you know, you stupid thing, 

Dot won't care for another, 
She has received this Christmas morn 

A dear, sweet baby brother ! " 



72 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT 



A Christmas Thought. 

(To be recited with carefu regard to smoothness, without a sing-song 

effect. ) 

Oh Christmas is coming again, you say, 

And you long fcr the thing; he is bringing ; 
But the costliest gift may not gladden the day, 

Nor help on the merry bells ringing 
Some getting is losing, you understand, 

Some hoarding is far from saving ; 
What you hold in your hand may slip from your hand ; 

There is something better than having ; 
We are richer for what we give ; 
And only by giving we live. 

Your last year's presents are scattered and gone ; 

You have almost forgot who gave them ; 
But the loving thoughts you bestow live on 

As long as you choose to have them. 
Love, love is your riches, though ever so poor ; 

No money can buy that treasure ; 
Yours always, from robber and rust secure, 

Your own, without stint or measure : 

It is only love that we can give ; 
It is only by loving we live. 

For who is it smiles through the Christmas morn — 

The Light of the wide creation ? 
A dear little Child in a stable born, 

Whose love is the world's salvation. 
He was poor on earth, but He gave us all 

That can make our life worth the living ; 
And happy the Christmas day we call 
That is spent, for His sake, in giving : 
He shows us the way to live, 
Like Him. let us love and give ! 

^—Luc\ Larcom 



A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE— THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING 73 



A Merry Christmas Eve. 

It chanced upon the merry, merry Christmas eve 

I went sighing past the church across the moorland 
dreary : 
" Oh ! never sin and want and woe this earth will leave, 
And the bells but mock the wailing round, they sing 
so cheery. 
How long, O Lord ! how long before Thou come again ? 

Still in cellar, and in garret, and on moorland dreary 
The orphans moan, and widows weep, and poor men 
toil in vain, 
Till earth is full of hope deferred, though Christmas 
bells be cheery." 

Then arose a joyous clamor from the wild fowl on the 
mere, 
Beneath the stars, across the snow, like clear bells 
ringing, 
And a voice within cried : " Listen ! — Christmas carols 
even here ! 
Though thou be dumb, yet o'er their work the stars 
and snows are singing. 
Blind ! I live, I love, I reign ; and all the nations through 
With the thunder of my judgments even now are 
ringing ; 
Do thou fulfill thy work, but as yon wild fowl do, 

Thou wilt hear no less the wailing, yet hear through it 
angels singing." 

— Charles Kings ley. 

-#> 
The Christinas Stocking. 

In the ghostly light I'm sitting, musing of long dead 

Decembers, 
While the fire-clad shapes are flitting in and out among 

the embers 



74 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

On my hearthstone in mad races, and I marvel, for in 

seeming 
I can dimly see the faces and the scenes of which I'm 

dreaming. 

golden Christmas days of yore ! 
In sweet anticipation 

1 lived their joys for days before 
Their glorious realization ; 

And on the dawn 
Of Christmas morn 
My childish heart was knocking 
A wild tattoo, 
As 'twould break through, 
As I unhung my stocking. 

Each simple gift that came to hand, 

How marvelous I thought it ! 
A treasure straight from wonderland, 
For Santa Claus had brought it. 

And at my cries 

Of glad surprise 
The others ali came flocking 

To share my glee 

And view with me 
The contents of the stocking 

Years sped — I left each well-loved scene 

In Northern wilds to roam, 
And there, 'mid tossing pine-trees green, 
I made myself a home. 
We numbered three 
And blithe were we, 
At adverse fortune mocking, 
And Christmas-tide 
By our fireside 
Found hung the baby's stocking. 

Alas ! within our home to-night 
No sweet young voice is ringing, 
. And through its silent rooms no light, 
Free, childish step is springing. 



CHRISTMAS HYMN. 75 

The wild winds rave 

O'er baby's grave 
Where plumy pines are rocking 

And crossed at rest 

On marble breast 
The hands that filled my stocking 



With misty eyes but steady hand 
I raise my Christmas chalice ; 
Here's to the children of the land 
In cabin or in palace ; 
May each one hold 
The key of gold, 
The gates of glee unlocking, 
And hands be found 
The whole world round 
To fill the Christmas stocking 

•Clarence H. Pearson in The Ladies Home Journal. 



<+\ 



Christmas Hymn. 



(During this recitation let the piano be played very softly in run- 
ning chords that resolve into the key of a Christmas carol which is 
taken up and sung by the entire school at the end of the poem.) 

Sing, Christmas bells ! 

Say to the earth this is the morn 
Whereon our Saviour-King is born ; 

Sing to all men — the bond, the free, 
The rich, the poor, the high, the low, 

The little child that sports in glee, 
The aged folk that tottering go,— 
Proclaim the morn 
That Christ is bom, 
That saveth them and saveth me ! 



76 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Sing angel host ! 

Sing of the stars that God has placed 
Above the manger in the east. 

Sing of the glories of the night, 
The Virgin's sweet humility, 

The Babe with kingly robes bedight, — 
Sing to all men where'er they be 
This Christmas morn 
For Christ is born, 
That saveth them and saveth me ! 

— Eugene Field. 



Bells Across the Snow. 

(This poem may be recited by one pupil, or divided as follows :) 

First pupil : Christmas, merry Christmas ! 

Is it really come again ? 
With its memories and greetings, 

With its joys and with its pain ; 
There s a minor in the carol, 

And a shadow in the light, 
And a spray of cypress twining 

With the holly wreath to-night. 
And the hush is never broken 
By laughter, light and low, 
As we listen in the starlight 

To the " bells across the snow." 

Second pupil : Christmas, merry Christmas ! 

'Tis not so very long 
Since other voices blended 

With the carol and the song ! 
If we could but hear them singing 

As they are singing now, 
If we could but see the radiance 

Of the crown on each dear brow ; 
There would be no sigh to smother, 

No hidden tear to flow, 
As we listen in the starlight 

To the '" bells across the snow." 



CHRISTMAS EVE. 77 

Third pupil : O Christmas, merry Christmas ! 
This never more can be ; 
We cannot bring again the days 

Of our unshadowed glee. 
But Christmas, happy Christmas, 

Sweet herald of good will, 
With holy songs of glory, 

Brings holy gladness still. 
For peace and hope may brighten, 

And patient love may glow, 
As we listen in the starlight 

To the " bells across the snow." 

— F. R. Haver gal. 

Christmas Eve. 

Outside my window whirls the icy storm, 
And beats upon its panes with fingers white ; 

Within, my open fire burns bright and warm, 
And sends throughout the room its ruddy light. 

Low on the hearth my good grimalkin lies, 
His supple, glossy limbs outstretched along ; 

Now gently sleeps with softly closed eyes, 
Now, half awakened, purrs his even-song. 

Near to the fire, touched by its gentle heat, 
A silent, welcome friend, my armchair stands. 

Its cushioned depths invite me to its seat, 
And promise rest for weary head and hands. 

Within its depths mine eyes unheeded close, 
And comes to me a vision wondrous sweet. 

Such sights and sounds no wakeful hours disclose 
As then my resting, dreaming senses greet. 

I am where gentle shepherds on the plain 

Keep sleepless, faithful watch o'er resting sheep ; 

I hear them chant the Psalmist's sweet refrain, 
That Israel's God will sure his promise keep. 



7§ CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Then quick the air is full of heav'nly song, 
And radiant light illumines all the ground, 

While angel voices sweet the strain prolong, 
And angel faces shine in glory round. 

I see the shepherds' faces pale with fear, 

Then glow with joy and glad surprise, for then 

" Glory to God ! " from angel lips they hear, 
Ana " Peace on earth good will to men." 

And then the light marks out a shining way, 
And swift the shepherds are the path to take. 

I long to go • O laggard feet, why stay ? 
Alas ! the vision fades, and I awake. 

Within, the smold'ring fire is burning dim ; 

Without, the whirl and beat of storm have ceased. 
I still can hear the angels' peaceful hymn, 

And know the vision hath my peace increased. 

— Frank E. Broun in The Outlook. 

The Little Christmas Tree 

The Christmas day was coming, the Christmas eve drew 
near, 

The fir-trees they were talking low at midnight cold and 
clear 

And this is what the fir-trees said, all in the pale moon- 
light, 

" Now which of us shall chosen be to grace the holy 
night ? " 

The tall trees and the goodly trees raised each a lofty 

head. 
In glad and secret confidence, though not a word they 

said 
But one, the baby of the band, could not restrain a sigh — 
44 You all will be approved," he said, " but, oh ! what 

chance have I ? " 



THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE. 79 

Then axe on shoulder, to the grove a woodman took his 

way. 
One baby-girl he had at home, and he went forth to find 
A little tree as small as she, just suited to his mind. 

Oh, glad and proud the baby-fir, amid its brethren tall, 
To be thus chosen and singled out, the first among them 

all ! 
He stretched his fragrant branches, his little heart beat 

fast, 
He was a real Christmas tree ; he had his wish at last. 

One large and shining apple with cheeks of ruddy gold, 
Six tapers, and a tiny doll were all that he could hold. 

" I am so small, so very small, no one will mark or know 
How thick and green my needles are, how true my 

branches grow ; 
Few toys and candles could I hold, but heart and will 

are free, 
And in my heart of hearts I know I am a Christmas 

tree." 

The Christmas angel hovered near ; he caught the 
grieving word, 

And, laughing low, he hurried forth, w T ith love and pity 
stirred. 

He sought and found St Nicholas, the dear old Christ- 
mas saint, 

And in his fatherly kind ear rehearsed the fir-tree's 
plaint. 

Saints are all-powerful, we know, so it befell that day, 
The baby laughed, the baby crowed, to see the tapers 

bright ; 
The forest baby felt the joy, and shared in the delight. 

And when at last the tapers died, and when the baby 

slept, 
The little fir in silent night a patient vigil kept ; 
Though scorched and brown its needles were, it had no 

heart to grieve. 
"I have not lived in vain," he said ; "thank God for 

Christmas eve ! " 

— Susan Coohdge. 



8o CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



The Russian Santa Claus. 

By Lizzie M. Hadley. 

Over the Russian snows one day, 
Upon the eve of a Christmas day, 
While still in the heavens shone afar, 
Like a spark of fire, that wondrous star, 
Three kings with jewels and gold bedight 
Came journeying on through the wintry night. 

Out of the East they rode amain, 
With servants and camels in their train. 
Laden with spices, myrrh, and gold, 
Gems and jewels of worth untold, 
Presents such as to-day men bring, 
To lay at the feet of some Eastern king. 

Wrinkled and feeble, old and gray, 

Dame Babousca, that Christmas day, 

Looked from her hut beside the moor, 

Where the four roads crossed by her cottage door, 

And saw the kings on their camels white, 

A shadowy train in the wintry night. 

They knocked at her cabin door to tell 

That wonderful story we know so well, 

Of the star that was guiding them all the way 

To the place where the little Christ-Child lay, 

And they begged that she, through the sleet and snow, 

To the nearest village with them would go. 

But naught cared she for that unknown Child, 
And winds about her blew fierce and wild, 
For the night was stormy, dark, and cold, 
And poor Babousca was weak and old, 
And in place of the pitiless winter's night, 
Her lowly hut seemed a palace bright. 

So to their pleadings she answered " Nay," 
And watched them all as they rode away 



A CHRISTMAS GARDEN. 8l 

But when they had gone and the night was still, 
Her hut seemed lonely, and dark, and chill, 
And she almost wished she had followed them 
In search of the Babe of Bethlehem. 

And then as the longing stronger grew, 

She said, "I will find Him," but no one knew, 

Where was the cradle in which He lay 

When He came to earth upon Christmas day, 

For the kings and their trains were long since gone, 

And none could tell of the Babe, new born. 

Then filling a basket with toys, she said, 
As over the wintry moor she sped, 
"I will go to the busy haunts of men, 
There I shall find the kings, and then, 
Together we'll go that Child to meet, 
And jewels and toys we'll lay at His feet. 

The kings with their trains have long been clay, 

The hut on the moor has mouldered away, 

But old and feeble, worn and gray, 

Every year upon Christmas day, 

It matters not though the winds blow chill, 

Old Babousca is seeking still. 

And every year when the joy-bells chime, 

To tell of the blessed Christmas time, 

When in Holland they tell to the girls and boys, 

Of good Saint Nicholas and his toys, 

In Russia, the little children say, 

" Old Babousca has passed this way." 

^#> 
A Christmas Garden. 

(A prose recitation, or suggestion for composition.) 

There is a story told of a magician who conjured 
up a garden in the winter time. The wand of the 
wizard, however, is not necessary to dislose even in 
a northern climate in the cold months the beautiful 



82 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

contents of Nature's world. The varieties of ever- 
green, pine, hemlock, fir, cedar, and larch provide 
a variety of green foliage through the dreary- 
weather. The rich, clustering berries, besides their 
ornamental character, furnish food for the snow- 
birds. The Christmas rose, wax-like in its white 
purity, will bloom out of doors long after frost if a 
glass is turned over the plant on cold nights. The 
ivy remains glossy, its green berry another addition 
to our winter bouquet. 

Farther south, but still within our United States, 
the scarlet holly grows in luxuriance. So full of 
holiday association is this tree that its branches are 
carefully transported a thousand miles for use dur- 
ing Christmas week. Its crisp leaves, lively color, 
and happy sentiment make the holly, pre-eminent 
as a winter ornament, prince in our Christmas 
garden. 

A contrast is furnished by the delicate sprays of 
the mistletoe growing upon the limbs of the oak, 
elm, and apple trees. The white berry attaches 
itself, curiously enough, without roots of any kind, 
and becomes an enduring plant. 



A Christmas Carol. 

" What means this glory round our feet ? " 
The Magi mused, " more bright than morn ? " 

And voices chanted clear and sweet, 
" To-day the Prince of Peace is born ! " 

" What means that star ? " the shepherd said, 
" That brightens through the rocky glen ?" 

And angels answering overhead, 

Sang, " Peace on earth, good will to men ! " 



THE POWER OF CHRISTMAS. &3 

'Tis eighteen hundred years and more 

Since those sweet oracles were dumb ; 
We wait for Him, like them of yore ; 

Alas, He seems so slow to come ! 

But it was said, in words of gold, 

No time or sorrow e'er shall dim, 
That little children might be bold 

In perfect trust to come to Him. 

All round about our feet shall shine 

A light like that the wise men saw, 
If we our loving wills incline 

To that sweet Life which is the Law. 

So shall we learn to understand 

The simple faith of shepherds then, 
And clasping kindly hand in hand, 

Sing, " Peace on earth, good will to men ! " 

And they who do their souls no wrong, 

But keep at eve the faith of morn, 
Shall daily hear the angel-song, 

" To-day the Prince of Peace is born ! " 

— /. R. Lowell. 



The Power of Christmas. 

Even under the pressure of battle the influence 
of the Christmas season has exerted a powerful 
effect. In 1428, during the war of the roses, while 
Orleans was under siege, the English lords, history 
tells us, requested the French commanders to sus- 
pend hostilities, and let the usual celebration of 
Christmas eye take their place. This was agreed 
to, and the air was filled with the song of the min- 
strels and the music of trumpets, instead of the 
discordant sounds of battle. 



84 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

Peace on Earth. 

(Recitation for a high-school pupil.) 

The shepherds went their hasty way, 

And found the lowly stable shed 
Where the Virgin-Mother lay ; 

And now they checked their eager tread, 
For to the Babe that at her bosom clung 
A mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung. 

They told her how a glorious light, 

Streaming from a heavenly throng, 
Around them shone suspending night, 

While, sweeter than a mother's song, 
Blest angels heralded the Saviour's birth, 
Glory to God on high and Peace on Earth. 

She listened to the tale divine, 

And closer still the Babe she prest; 
And while she cried, The Babe is mine ! 

The milk rushed faster to her breast ; 
Joy rose within her like a summer's morn ; 
Peace, Peace on Earth ! the Prince of Peace is born 

Thou Mother of the. Prince of Peace, 

Poor, simple, and of low estate ! 
That strife should vanish, battle cease, 

O why should this thy soul elate ? 
Sweet music's loudest note, the poet' story — 
Didst thou ne'er love to hear of fame and glory ? 

And is not War a youthful king, 

A stately hero clad in mail ? 
Beneath his footsteps laurels spring ; 

Him Earth's majestic monarch's hail 
Their friend, their playmate ! and his bold bright eye 
Compels the maiden's love-confessing sigh. 

" Tell this in some more courtly scene, 
To maids and youths in robes of state ! 



THE CHRISTMAS TREE. 85 

I am a woman poor and mean, 

And therefore is my soul elate. 
War is a ruffian, all with guilt denied, 
That from the aged father tears his child ! 

"A murderous fiend, by fiends adored, 

He kills the sire and starves the son ; 
The husband kills, and from her hoard 

Steals all his widow's toil had won ; 
Plunders God's world of beauty ; rends away 
All safety from the night, all comfort from the day. 

" Then wisely is my soul elate, 

That strife should vanish, battle cease ; 
I'm poor and of a low estate, 

The Mother of the Prince of Peace. 
Joy rises in me like a summer's morn ; 
Peace, Peace on Earth ! the Prince of Peace is born." 

— S. T. Coleridge. 

-*> 
The Christmas Tree. 

(Recitation for a boy to give before a Christmas tree is dismantled.) 

Of all the trees in the woods and fields 

There's none like the Christmas tree ; 
Tho' rich and rare is the fruit he yields, 

The strangest of trees is he. 
Some drink their fill from the shower or rill ; 

No cooling draught needs he ; 
Some bend and break when the storms awake, 

But they reach not the Christmas tree. 
When wintry winds thro' the forests sweep, 

And snow robes the leafless limb ; 
When cold and still is the ice-bound deep, 

O this is the time for him. 
Beneath the dome of the sunny home, 

He stands with all his charms ; 
'Mid laugh and song from the youthful throng, 

As they gaze on his fruitful arms. 



86 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

There's golden fruit on the Christmas tree, 

And gems for the fair and gay ; 
The lettered page for the mind bears he, 

And robes for the wintry day. 
And there are toys for the girls and boys ; 

And eyes that years bedim 
Grow strangely bright, with a youthful light, 

As they pluck from the pendant limb. 
-*> 

Old English Christmases. 

The court celebrations of Christmas were ob- 
served with great splendor during the reign of 
King Charles the First. The royal family, with 
the lords and ladies, often took part themselves in 
the performances, and the cost to prepare cos- 
tumes and sceneries for one occasion often amounted 
to ten thousand dollars. During Charles's reign, 
and preceding his, Ben Jonson wrote the plays, or 
masques, for Christmas. The court doings were, 
of course, copied outside by the people, and up to 
the twelfth night after Christmas, sports and feast- 
ings held high carnival. 

So important were these Christmas court cele- 
brations held by our ancestors, and of such mo- 
ment were the preparations, that a special officer 
was appointed to take them in charge. To him 
were accorded large privileges, very considerable 
appointments, and a retinue equal to a prince's, 
counting in a chancellor, treasurer, comptroller, 
vice-chamberlain, divine, philosopher, astronomer, 
poet, physician, master of requests, clown, civilian, 
ushers, pages, footmen, messengers, jugglers, her- 
ald, orator, hunters, tumblers, friar, and fools. 
Over this mock court the mock monarch presided 
during the holidays with a reign as absolute as the 
actual monarch. 



HOLLY AND IVY. 87 

Holly and Ivy. 

(Noel is the French word for Christmas,) 

Holly standeth in ye house 

When that Noel draweth near; 
Evermore at ye door 
Standeth Ivy, shivering sore, 

In ye night wind bleak and drear. 

"Sister Holly," Ivy quoth, 

"What is that within you see ? 
To and fro doth ye glow 
Of ye yule-log flickering go ; 

Would its warmth did cherish me ! 
Where thou bidest is it warm ; 
I am shaken of ye storm." 

u Sister Ivy," Holly quoth, 

" Brightly burns the yule-log here, 

And love brings beauteous things, 

While a guardian angel sings 

To the babes that slumber near; 

But, O Ivy ! tell me now, 

What without there seest thou?" 

" Sister Holly," Ivy quoth, 

" With fair music comes ye Morn, 

And afar burns ye Star 

Where ye wondering shepherds are, 
And the Shepherd King is born : 

'Peace on earth, good will to men,' 

Angels cry, and cry again." 

Holly standeth in ye house 

When that Noel draweth near ; 
Clambering o'er yonder door, 
Ivy standeth evermore ; 

And to them that rightly hear, 
Each one speaketh of ye love 
That outpoureth from Above. 

— Eugene Field. 



S8 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 



Holiday Chimes. 

(When it is impossible to prepare a regular Christmas program for the 
friends of the pupils to enjoy with the school, the entrance to holiday week 
may be signalled by the impromptu reading and recitation of Christmas 
sentiments.) 



CHRISTMAS DAY. 

Feathery flakes are falling, falling 
From the skies in softest way, 

And between are voices calling, 
"Soon it will be Christmas day ! " 

— Mary B. Dodge, 

OLD DECEMBER. 

With snowy locks December stands 
'Mid sleet and storm ; his wasted hands 
A frosty scepter grasp and hold ; 
His frame is bent, his limbs are old ; 
His bearded lips are iced and pale ; 
He shivers in the winter gale. 
Come then, O day of warm heart-cheer, 
Make glad the waste and waning year, 
While old December shivering goes 
To rest beneath the drifted snows ! 

— Benj. F. Leggett. 

CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 

O happy chime, 

O blessed time, 

That draws us all so near ! 

" Welcome, dear day," 

All creatures say, 

For Christmas-tide has come. 

— L. M. Alcott. 



HOLIDAY CHIMES. 89 

CHRISTMAS EVE. 

The time draws near the birth of Christ : 
The moon is hid ; the night is still ; 
The Christmas bells from hill to hill 

Answer each other in the mist. 

Rise, happy morn ! rise, holy morn ! 

Draw forth the cheerful day from night : 
O Father ! touch the east, and light 

The light that shone when hope was born. 

— Alfred Temiyson 

FATHER CHRISTMAS. 

Here comes old Father Christmas, 

With sound of fife and drums, 
With misteltoe about his brows, 

So merrily he comes ! 

Hurrah for Father Christmas ! 

Ring all the merry bells ! 
And bring the grandsires all around 

To hear the tale he tells. 

— Rose Terry Cooke. 

CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 

Well our Christian sires of old 
Loved when the year its course had rolled, 
And brought blithe Christmas back again, 
With all his hospitable train. 

****** 

England was merry England when 

Old Christmas brought his sports again. 

'Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale ; 

'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale, 

A Christmas gambol oft could cheer 

The poor man's heart through half the year. 

— Sir Walter Scott. 



90 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 

MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS. 

What do the angels sing ? 

What is the word they bring ? 
What is the music of Christmas again ? 

Glad tidings still to thee, 

Peace and good will to thee 
Glory to God in the highest ! 

— F. R. Havergal. 

A CHRISTMAS WISH. 

A bright and blessed Christmas Day, 
With echoes of the angels' song, 

And peace that cannot pass away, 
And holy gladness, calm and strong, 

And sweetheart carols, flowing free ! 
This is my Christmas wish to thee. 

— F. R. Havergal. 

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS. 

Where love takes, let love give, and so doubt not : 
Love counts but the will, 

And the heart has its flowers of devotion 
No winter can chill ; 

They who cared for " good will " that first Christmas 
Will care for it still. 

— A. A. Procter. 

ONCE A YEAR. 

At Christmas play and make good cheer, 
For Christmas comes but once a year. 

— Tusser. 

OLD ENGLISH SONG. 

When Rosemary and Bays, the poet's crown, 
Are bawled in frequent cries through all the town, 



HOLIDAY CHIMES. 9t 

Then judge the festival of Christmas near, — 
Christmas, the joyous period of the year ! 
Now with bright holly all the temples are strow *, 
With Laurel green and sacred Mistletoe. 



OLD FATHER CHRISTMAS. 

Old Father Christmas is passing by, 

His cheeks are ruddy, he's bright of eye ; 

His beard is white with the snows of time. 

His brow is hoary with frost and rime. 

It's little he cares for the frost and the cold, 

For old Father Christmas he never grows old. 



EVERGREEN AND HOLLY. 

Bring the evergreens and holly, 

Bring the music and the song, 
Chase away the melancholy, 
By the pleasures bright and jolly, 

Which to Christmas time belong. 

— E. O. Peck, 



How to Celebrate Arbor Day in the 
Schoolroom. 

For the Primary, Grammar, and High School. 

This book contains 96 solid pages. All the selections are fresh and new, and are 
selected both for their excellence and their practical usefulness in making up a 
program for the day. The following table of contents will give an idea of the 

I THE ORIGIN OF ARBOR DAY. 

II. HINTS ON PLANTING THE TREES. 

III. ARBOR DAY IN THE U. S. 

IV. SPECIAL. EXERCISES. 

1. The Arbor Day Queen ; 2. Thoughts About Trees ; 3. Little 
Runaways ; 4. November's Party ; 5. The Coming of Spring ; 
6. Through the Year with the Trees ; 7. May ; 8. The Poetry of 
Spring ; 9. The Plea of the Trees ; lO. Tree Planting Exercise. 

V. RECITATIONS AND SONGS. 

VI. FIFTY QUOTATIONS. 

VII. THE PINK ROSE DRILL.. 

VIII. ARBOR DAY PROGRAMS 

For Primary, Grammar, and High Schools. 
Suggestions as to the most effective use of each exercise and recitation and the 
seven Arbor Day Programs are features which will be appreciated by the busy 
teacher. 

Price, 25 Cents Postpaid. 

How to Celebrate Washington's 
Birthday in the Schoolroom. 

Containing Patriotic Exercises, Declamations, Recitations, 
Drills, Quotations, &c, for the 

PRIflARY, GRAMMAR, AND HIGH SCHOOL. 



96 Pages. Price, 25 Cents Postpaid. 

This book has been received with great eagerness by teachers, and a large num- 
ber sold. There are at least 100,000 teachers, who will hold some exercises on this 
great day. The observance of Washington's Birthday is increasing. It has re- 
cently been made compulsory in all the schools of New Jersey. No book is so 
good for preparing for it as this. The material is new and of a high order of 
merit. Here is a part of the 

CONTENTS : 

I Would Tell. 

Flag of the Rainbow, 

The Good Old Days, 

The School House Stands by the Flag, 

A Boy's Protest, 

Tribute to Washington, 

Our Presidents, 

Flag of the Free. 



Special Exercises 

His Birthday, 
Tableaux and Recitations, 
Our National Songs, 
Historic Exercise, 
Honoring the Flag, 
Washington is Our Model, 
Pictures from the Life of Washington, 
Celebrating Washington's Birthday. 
Recitations and Songs 
The 22d of February, 



Three Flag Drills 

Fifty Patriotic Quotations. 



Spring ^ Summer School Celebrations 



EXERCISES, TABLEAUX, PANTOMIMES, RECITA- 
TIONS, DRILLS, SONGS FOR CELEBRATING 
EASTER, MAY DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, 
FOURTH OF JULY, CLOSING DAY 
IN THE SCHOOLROOM. 
<50 Pages. Price, 25 Cents Postpaid. 



You have general exercises in your school, do you not ? Then you need this 
book and should send for it now. It is illustrated. It contains nearly one hun- 
dred fresh, charming, mostly original selections. 

PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS : 



Easter Song, 

Give Flowers to the Children, 

Easter in Early Days, 

Sir Robin, 

To the Flowers, 

Wreath Drill and March, 

Easter Time. 

Tableaux for Longfellow's King Robert 

of Sicily, 
A Bunch of Lilies. 
Greeting to May, 
A Call to tbe Flowers, 
A Carpet of Green, 
To the Cuckoo, 
To the Arbutus, 



May and the Flowers, 

The May Festival, 

Gathering Flowers, 

The Return of the Wanderers, 

The Nation's Dead. 

In Memoriam, 

Zouave Drill, 

Program for Memorial Day, 

The Blue and the Gray, 

The Nation's Birthday, 

Stand by the Flag, 

Flag of Our Nation Great, 

Boy's Marching Song, 

The Poet's History of America, 

Etc., Etc 



Fancy Drills and Marches. 

MOTION SONGS AND ACTION PIECES FOR ARBOR DAY, 

CHRISTMAS DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, AND 

PATRIOTIC OCCASIONS. 



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THE LATEST, BRIGHTEST, AND BEST BOOK OF DRILLS. 

Teachers who want something new and bright in the line of drills will 
certainly be greatly pleased with this book. One drill alone — Betz's Flag 
Grouping — has heretofore been sold for the price of this book, 25 cents. 



PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS : 

Fancy Ribbon March. Carl Betz. Wreath Drill and March- 

Hatchet Drill for Feb. 22. Rainbow Drill. 



Christmas Tree Drill. 
Wand Drill. Mara L. Pratt. 
Delsarte Children. M. D. Sterling 
Zouave Drill. 
Scarf Drill. 



Glove Drill. 
Tambourine Drill. 

Flag Grouping and Posing. Carl Betz. 
Two Flag Drills. 

The March of the Red, White, and Blue, 
Also many Motion Songs and Action Pieces. Full directions with each : 
fully illustrated, 



Kellogg 's Series of Special Day Books, Latest and Best / 



How to Celebrate Thanksgiving and 

Christmas in the Schoolroom. 

FOR THE PRIMARY, GRAMMAR, AND HIGH SCHOOL. 

This book consists of Recitations, Songs, Drills, Dialogues, Exercises, and 
Complete Programs for celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Autumn 
Days in the Schoolroom. Its use will save teachers much time and labor and 
insure an attractive and successful program. 

Two Important Features of the book are the carefully prepared complete 
programs, and the suggestions following every selection as to the most effective 
use of it. This will save the teacher much labor. Attractively bound in heavy- 
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PRICE 25 CENTS, POSTPAID. 



A FEW OF THE GOOD THINGS 

in the book are here given. There is room to give only a part of the contents. 
RECITATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS. 



Christmas Eve. 
Christinas Bells, 
The Very Best Thing, 
The Christmas Tree, 
The Merry Christmas Time, 
The Stocking's Christmas, 



A Surprise for Santa Claus, 

Merry Christmas, 

The Day of Days, 

Kris Kringle, 

The Bells, 

Christmas Echoes, 



EXERCISES. 



What the Months Bring, 
Thanksgiving in the Past and Present. 
The Gifts of the Year, 
The Mistletoe Bough (for Reading and 

Tableau 1 , 
Christmas Tree Drill, 
A Visit from Santa Claus, (Tableaux). 



An Autumn Poet (Bryant), 
In the Autumn, 
Autumn Leaves, 
Autumn Thougnts, 
The Return of Thanksgiving, 
Thanksgiving Exercise for Little 
Children, 

SONGS FOR THANKSGIVING. 
Reward of Labor, I A Song of Gladness, 

Thanksgiving Song, What Little Folks Can Do. 

Fill the Baskets, Motion Song for Thanksgiving. 

New Year and Midwinter Exercises 

Recitations, Quotations, Authors' Birthdays, and Special 

Programs for Celebrating New Year and nidwinter 

in the Schoolroom. For the Primary, Grammar 

and High School. 

PRICE, 25 CENTS, POSTPAID. 

Do you want help in preparing- a program for Charles Dickens' birthday, 
Feb. 7th? A Dickens' exercise in this book gives selections from his writings, 
a list from his writings and their purpose, and many interesting things about 
him. It contains also a Robert Burns' Exercise for January 25, which will be 
found excellent. 

In the country schools "A Winter Evening Entertainment," contained in 
this book will occasion a great deal of interest. 

Original recitations and exercises appropriate for the winter months are not 
easy to find. This collection contains excellent ones. 

E, L« KELLOGG & CO., New York & Chicago, 



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APPERCEPTION: 

Or "A Pot of Green Feathers,' 1 is a very simple book on psychol- 
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how perception becomes apperception. It is a book that any teacher may 
read with profit. Commissioner Harris recommends it, so do other emi- 
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well bound in limp cloth. 

Price 25c. ; to teachers, 20c. ; postage 3c. 

OBJECT TEACHING: 

OR Words and Things. The author has done an important service 
to teachers in pointing out thus clearly the foundation principles on which 
the much-talked-of but little understood subject of Object Teaching should 
be based. 

It takes a simple subject — the Duck — and gives a very clear and correct 
exposition of the right methed of Object Teaching by a series of lessons. 
The teacher will be set to work in the right direction by reading it. There 
are plenty of books which furnish material for Object Lessons ; no other 
that gives so admirably the principles and method. 

This edition is published by special permission of the author who has 
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Limp cloth, 16 mo. Price 25c. ; to teachers, 20c. ; 
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STUDIES AND OCCUPATIONS. 

Suitable for Children between the ages of 7 and 9. Everything that Mr. 
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gestive discussion of what should be the child's work in school between the 
ages of seven and nine, with a time table, or program based upon the 
author's ideas. It is reprinted from the Summer Number (1894) of The 
School Journal. Only a limited edition has been issued and it will not 
be reprinted. 

Manilla Covers. Price, 15c. postpaid. 

DRAWING IN INFANT SCHOOLS: 

A Study in Practical Psychology. All of Mr. Rooper's writings on 
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Th^ First Three Years of Childhood. 

An exhaustive study of the psychology of children. By 
Bernard Perez. Edited and translated by Alice M. 
Christie, translator of "Child and Child Nature," with 
an introduction by James Sully, M. A., author of " Out- 
lines of Psychology," etc. 12mo, cloth, 340 pp. Pric°, 
$1.50 ; to teachers, $1. 20 ; by mail, 10 cts. extra. 
This is a comprehensive treatise on the psychology of child- 
hood, and is a practical study of the human mind, not full 
formed and equipped with knowledge, but as nearly as 
possible, ab origine — before habit, environment, and educa- 
tion have asserted their sway and made their permanent 
modifications. The writer looks into all the phases of child 
activity. He treats exhaustively, and in bright Gallic style, 
of sensations, instincts, sentiments, intellectual tendencies, 
the will, the faculties of aesthetic and moral senses of young 
children. He shows how ideas of truth and falsehood arise 
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Our edition has a new index of special value and is beauti- 
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Mother Nature's Fstival. 

Ad exercise suitable tor primary errade* of public schools. Compiled 
and arranged by Mrs S. E. Ware. The characters are Mother Nacure, 
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1 he costumes may be very simile or as elaborate as it is desired to make 
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An Object Lesson in History. 

An historical exercise for school exhibitions, by Emma Shaw Colclougb 

? represented as laid in toe school-room where the character* 

ire divided into those who have just been on atrip to the his- 

s about Boston and the "stay-at-homes." The conversation 

between them introduces a large number of quotations from American 

authors descriptive of the historical scenes visited. 

A Visit from Mother Goose. 

A Christmas play for primary pupils. By Belle L. Davidson. Will make 
a delightful entertainment. From twelve to twenty-four children may take 
part. Costumes fully described. Price. 15c. 

At the Court of King Winter. 

By Lizzie M. Hadley. Characters: Winter, November, December Nature 
s<4nta ! Heralds, Winds, Christmas Day, Forefathers' Day. Mam 

children or a few may take part. Suggestions for costumes are given. This 
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Banner Days of the Republic. 

The grouping of the chief points in American history 
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Price, 15c. 

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Q for Lincoln's Birthday. Contains a narrative of his life, 
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ers' Institutes and individual teac ers. II vou desire to leach profession" 
ally you will want it. Send for' special circular with new course of study, 
list of inexpensive books on teaching, etc. It is unique as being the only 
periodical of its kiud published. 

OUR TIMES. 

Published Monthly at 30 cents a year. 
Gives a resume of the important news of the month— not the murders, 
the scandals, etc., but the news th t bears upon the progress of the world. 
Is specially wri'ten for the school room. It gives a clear idea of what 
is going on in the world from month to month. It is better than any 
newspaper for the teacher and especially for the pupil. Only 30 cents a 
year. Club rates, 25 cents. Hundreds of teachers get up clubs each yea?. 
Samples for this purpose sent free Correspondence solicited. 



E. L KELLOGG & CO., New York & Chicago. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
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